Forgiving others is easier when I remember that I'm human and stupid, too.

I preferred my brand of beauty where Norah was more beautiful than any bimbette, and Mom was beautiful whether sized extra-small or extra-large. Where Peony could look at herself in the mirror and murmur, wow, look at me. Just look at me.

What was so miraculous about a relationship that was based more on my gratitude than on mutual self respect?

If Jacob was right and clothes were costumes and makeup a mask, then our attitudes and habits must be our shields.

From her dubious tone alone, I could see how Karin had no idea how terrifying words spoken quietly could be. How words chosen precisely to wreak maximum damage ticked like a bomb in your head, but exploded in your heart hours later, leaving you scarred and changed.

Jolie laide = "pretty ugly" Draws you to it...bored into heart and mind.

Come on, don't you ever stop and smell the coffee?