The Mirror Has Two Faces

You know what l envy about people in love? l'd love it if someone really knew me. What l like. What l'm afraid of. What kind of toothpaste l use. l think that would really be wonderful.

l believe in love, lust, sex and romance, not in a perfect equation. I want mess and chaos. l want someone to go crazy for me. l want passion and heat and sweat and madness! Valentines and cupids!

— How many men can you say that about? ls a tie too personal a gift?
— Are you using it on something other than his neck?

— l have dreamt about this moment from the first day we met. l've played out what you'd say and what you'd think a million times.
— But you were better in my head.
— Maybe l've had too much to drink.
— lt's not you, it's me. l don't feel anything. lsn't that great? l never thought about my feelings, only yours.
— l didn't think l was good enough.
— Oh, but you are!
— l know. But Alex, you're not good enough for me.

That experience makes us feel completely alive. Our everyday reality is shattered, and we are flung into the heavens. lt may only last a moment, an hour, but that doesn't diminish its value. We're left with memories we treasure for the rest of our lives.

When l want someone sexually, l go out of my mind.

— l don't care if you are pretty. l love you anyway.
— Everything will drop as l get older, and l'm gaining weight as we speak.
— That's comforting.

Why do people want to fall in love when it can have such a short run and be so painful?
<...>
l think it's because, as some of you may already know... While it does last, it feels fucking great.

— ls Claire happy? l mean, do you think she's happy?
— Yes, l think she is. Why?
— l'm being silly. l'm a first-time husband. If she doesn't wake up and tell me she's ecstatic, l worry.

— Why don't you put the coffee on?
— l made dinner. You put it on. l've raised two daughters, buried a husband, l've made my coffee.

But it's all right now, because l'm not in love with you any more. Which now makes me perfect for this, but now l don't want this marriage.

— You're too smart for that. You're a confident, no-nonsense woman.
— l sound like an airline.