“In the end though, if I've learned anything form this at all, it's that life goes on, and we must move on too.Separately.”

“In the end it's the pain of being replaceable that turns out to be the hardest to bear.”

“I have to tell you I think you've substantially set back your progress," she told me, and though it sounds stupid, I felt tears pricking at the back of my eyes when she said that. I hadn't been aware I'd made any progress, and now I'd gone and set it back.”

“You cannot block someone from your life who doesn't want to be blocked.”

“I only want what's mine. And if I can't have what's mine, I'll take what's yours.”

“Can an absence of action be construed as a negative action?”

“Though plucking artichoke leaves doesn't mend all cracked spirits as firmly as pea shelling, it has its own curative power. There is a Dutch saying: “Bitter in the mouth cures the heart.” If you happen to have a friend shaken by heartache, hand over a bag of raw artichokes. Once she has relieved them of their leaves, encourage one brave bite. Between the meditative peeling and the bitter taste, she should be completely healed. If there are no artichokes around, raw dandelion greens are a good substitute.”