“P.S. May, don’t these strawberry tarts just make you want to cry?”

“Try patting them on the back or shoulder and telling them everything is going to be fine. Lots of times when girls cry, they don't want you to fix the problem, they just want to be consoled.”

“If you don’t want me to be in love with you, you’re going to have to stop looking so lovely. First thing tomorrow I’m having your maids sew some potato sacks together for you.”

“But you just said you loved me.""I do, Mer. That's the point. I can't make you like me. I can't stand the thought of you hungry or cold or scared. I can't make you a Six.”

“I'm not so stupid as to believe that you've completely forgotten about your former boyfriend. I know you think there are others here more suited for me and this life, and I wouldn't want you to rush into trying to be happy with any of this. I just... I just want to know if it's possible...”

“Do you think the ability to sleep in counts as a special skill?” I asked Dad, trying to sound torn over the decision.“Yes, list that. And don’t forget to write that you can eat an entire meal in under five minutes,” he replied. I laughed. It was true; I did tend to inhale my food.“Oh, the both of you! Why don’t you just write down that you’re an absolute heathen!” My mother went storming from the room.”

“You get confused by crying women, I get confused by walks with princes.”