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.

I think men should be able to veto women's abortions if they're willing to care for the child after it's born.

The roots of any evil deed can be traced to the perpetrator's refusal to experience pain.

The irrational thoughts were the ones with the power to burn holes in your gut.

...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)

Relationships are never chance events.

What was it about not knowing a person that allowed you to wonder whether she might be the answer to all your problems?