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.

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

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

Sometimes when you push someone, you find out who that person really is.

But insight doesn't necessarily produce self-control. Sometimes you just see your destructiveness more clearly.

There's no original evil left in the world. Everyone's just recycling pain. (257)

The truth will set you free. Unless you're guilty.