I found an inner strength to fight for myself. It was clear that nobody else would.

Trying; that's all anyone can ask, for not being motivated is what's ruining the world with the youth

Love's absence ailed me. I could not imagine loving my husband. He was a superior and I did not know how to love and be subservient together. Nor had he ever thought of me as a human being, let alone a woman. For no reason had he ever softened towards me, I had stirred him that little.

Looking back, I realized that we were being raised to be schizophrenic; an appearance of perfection was more important than genuine feelings

It always surprised him when he thought of it later that he did not sink under the load of despair.

Deep roots are not reached by the frost.