But I know that I'm not who I was supposed to be. Who I could have been. And I know it's because I was too afraid for too long.

Besides, Southerners are hospitable. They'll probably offer me lemonade." Excuse me? You're going to sit on a porch and drink lemonade while I plow a swamp with a goat's horn?" Yes, ma'am. And I aim to wear my seamless shirt while you do it.

Was true love when you wanted to slap someone and kiss him madly at the same time?

We formed the fellowship of the ring when we should've all just gone on medication

No. It's actually not okay. And I hate when people say that, when they say it's okay even though it's not. It's better to tell the truth.

The human instinct for self-preservation is strong. I know, because mine pulls at me, too, like the needle on a compass. And everybody - I've been reading some philosophy - everybody seems to agree that the instinct and responsibility of all humans is to take care of themselves first. You have the right to self-defense. You have the right to survive, if you can.

When you first fall in love, it's supposed to be awful. Awful, uncertain, scary, wonderful, confusing, all at once. That's how you know it's real. You have to care deeply. Passionately. That hurts.