look, I basically had to raise myself in terms of knowing how to finesse my way out of uncomfortable situations with men. there's this thing men don't realize about a woman's survival instincts: it's only at rock bottom that she really wants a bad or dangerous man to protect her.

and those are the most addicting kinds of bonds, precisely because they match an old, familiar pattern of abandonment. they feel *deserved* and there is comfort in knowing that you're getting what you deserve - for better or for worse.

it's true that sometimes the most cunning and manipulative people are very smart, but I've noticed a difference between a good smart person and an evil smart person: the good smart person knows that there's very little intelligence in secrecy, and the bad smart person thrives on it.

just remember that an admission isn't the same as an apology, and it's better to start fresh with someone who has no significant reason to owe you either.

if we could trade places, I would not do to you what you did to me.

we are not alike.