My love affair with (him) had a wonderful element of romance to it, which I will always cherish. But it was not an infatuation, and hereโs how I can tell: because I did not demand that he become my Great Emancipator or my Source of All Life, nor did I immediately vanish into that manโs chest cavity like a twisted, unrecognizable, parasitical homonculus. During our long period of courtship, I remained intact within my own personality, and I allowed myself to meet (him) for who he was.
Elizabeth GilbertI am far more of a loner than people would imagine. But I am the most gregarious and socially interactive loner you ever met. The thing is, I am fascinated by people's stories and I'm very talkative and can't ever say no to anything or anyone, so I tend to over-socialize, to give away too much of my time to the many people I adore.
Elizabeth GilbertIf I could read while I was driving, showering, socializing or sleeping, I would do it.
Elizabeth GilbertBeing a woman did not look enviable to me, even when it looked admirable. It looked like nonstop sacrifice and service. Because it was. Being a woman seemed vulnerable and sad. Even the strong women I knew - and they were all strong - had earned their strength through enduring huge disappointments and tremendous struggles.
Elizabeth Gilbert