How about your favorite book?" "This Side of Paradise by From. Scott Fitzgerald. " "Why?" "Because it was the last one I read. " This made them laugh because they knew I meant it honest, not show-off. Then they told me their favorites, and we sat quiet.
Women are raised to be the nurturers and steadiers of rocked boats, to hold relationships in place as if our lives depended on it. But it shores up your own dignity and integrity if you're able to say, "There are a million things I love about you, and I want our relationship to continue. I forgive you 95 percent, but not this 5 percent. "