Donald Gately

“Oh, God. I have a policy about that word “soul.” It is strictly prohibited except in cases of conversations having to do with okra recipes or Marvin Gaye. My mom doesn’t observe these simple, commonsense restrictions. She says, “I want you to get rid of anything that might be bothering you.”
― Sarah Vowell, Take the Cannoli: Stories From the New World

“Over time, reservoirs of emotional positivity that accumulate in relationships can act as a buffer during heated conversations, making it easier for people to hear, empathize, and learn from the other side. Conversely, reservoirs of negativity prepare us for a quick descent into battle.49”
― Peter T Coleman, The Way Out: How to Overcome Toxic Polarization

“hear his name in her voice, he closes his eyes. The name has become so precious to him, his own name, from the way it sounds in her mouth. He”
― Sally Rooney, Intermezzo