This is what I know. Don't settle for 40, 50, or even 80 percent. A relationship-it shouldn't be too small or too tight or even a little scratchy. It shouldn't take up space in your closet out of guilty conscience or convenience or a moment of desire. Do you hear me? It shold be perfect for you. It should be lasting. Wait. wait for 100 percent.

You've got to say what you mean and mean what you say...Doubt in your voice is an open door people will shove right through.

You were a stone wall, a fort in high, unreachable trees, an island, my own island, that no boat could reach.

Control was just wishful thinking, and you controlled things to hedge your bets, to be safe, to guard against loss.

Hundreds,' Joe says. 'Hundreds and hundreds. But then again, I'm old.' So old, Jesus was in your math class,' I say. I crack myself up.

You can forget that other people carry pieces of your own story around in their heads. I've always thought--put together all those random pieces form everyone who's ever known you from your parents to the guy who once sat next to you on a bus, and you'd probably see a fuller version of your life than you even did while living it.

... But then again, a person could turn ugly. Their actual look could change when their actions were repulsive.