You know a relationship has deteriorated past the point of salvage when one person detests another's gestures.

When people say they are happy for you it may mean they are sad for themselves.

sharing is the secret of civilization.

People Should not be protected from the world.. -It cripples them.

You know a relationship has deteriorated past the point of salvage when one person detests another's gestures.

Bobbie Ann Mason's genius only grows stronger and wiser and funnier with every new book, and Zigzagging Down a Wild Trail is my absolute favorite so far. What an ear she has for the telling phrase, what an eye for the heartbreaking detail. These new stories are stunning.

You must be the greatest mother in the world, but you must also, simultaneously, withdraw from your children's lives. You don't want to be the major force in their whole lives. You need to do the job adequately and as best you can, and then provide them with independence from you. You have to give them enough so that they won't need you anymore.