Self-absorption intensifies isolation, but permits it to go unnoticed.

Holding unconventional opinions makes people feel they have strong characters.

Seek and Hide: the Lover gazes at the Beloved. The Beloved looks away. The Beloved turns and looks at the Lover. The Lover runs away.

Trust, but look for the exits.

In the street, the gaze of desire is furtive or menacing.

Never invite to dinner: those who won't decide until the last minute; those who come more than half an hour late; those who want to bring along two or three friends; drunks; monologists; those who stay until three o'clock in the morning; those who think that conversation means having an argument; those who take a high moral tone; those who are stupid, ugly, or dull. Enforcement of these rules will enable one to eat alone every night in comfort.

Self-hatred is sometimes appropriate.