Bien dans sa peau

Expression: Bien dans sa peau

Pronunciation: [byeh(n) da(n) sa po]

Meaning: content / comfortable / at ease with oneself

Literal translation: well in one's skin

Register: normal

Notes: The French expression bien dans sa peau can be used with être or se sentir, and can be comparative: être / se sentir mieux dans sa peau (to be more content, feel more comfortable with oneself). It's also often used in the negative, ne pas être bien dans sa peau or être mal dans sa peau, to refer to any sort of teenage angst, depression, or general dissatisfaction with who one is.

I like this expression, particularly in the negative, because a feeling of awkwardness or dissatisfaction can make it seem like one's skin doesn't fit right. I can't think of an English equivalent that really does it justice.

Example:
   Depuis que son père est parti, mon fils n'est pas bien dans sa peau.
   Since his father left, my son hasn't been comfortable with himself / has been troubled.

Synonyms: être bien dans sa tête, se sentir bien dans sa tête

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