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

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.

...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.

For a psychiatrist to be any good, he has to be willing to corner you, close off the easy exits, even when it hurts. It's supposed to. (46)

Most children would rather preserve the fantasy of a loving connection with their fathers and mothers, at all costs, even if it costs them their self-esteem. When you're three or seven years old, it's less frightening to think of yourself as an unlovable, disappointing screwup than to recognize the fact that you're living with a monster.

Deep down, everyone wants the truth.