Relationships are never chance events.

A jealous husband is an ugly thing.

...Some people hurt so much they can't take what they need, even when someone wants to give it to them. (106)

When people can do something simple to avoid conflict--say, hit a button or unlock a latch--they'll generally do it.

...the horrific fact that our lives and those of the people we love are impermanent and exquisitely fragile, that any of us can cease to exist without warning, that loving anyone, anywhere, at any time, leaves you infinitely vulnerable at every single moment. (20)

But that's the hardest part of healing.' What?' Realizing there's no one to hate.

My throat tightened, but I held back the tears and reminded myself that withdrawing from a woman is no different than kicking a drug; you feel shaky and you want it, but eventually the need passes, and you feel restored.