I'm simply pointing out that what happens to us isn't the whole story. That I continue to exist even when we're not together.

...self-consciousness is a man's worst enemy.

The plain state of being human is dramatic enough for anyone

On New Year's Eve he ould make a resolution to recover some his previous scepticism, but until then he would do as the Romans do, and smile at people even if he disapproved of them

I had forgotten that Jess felt about long words the way that racists feel about black people: She hated them, and wanted to send them back from where they came from.

Linda seemed to recognize loneliness. Possibly she could see it sitting opposite her, sipping lager and trying not to lose its temper. It was an illness, loneliness-it made you weak, gullible, feebleminded.

Reciprocation was a pretty powerful stimulant to the imagination.