angela

“Why wasn’t friendship as good as a relationship? Why wasn’t it even better? It was two people who remained together, day after day, bound not by sex or physical attraction or money or children or property, but only by the shared agreement to keep going, the mutual dedication to a union that could never be codified. Friendship was witnessing another’s slow drip of miseries, and long bouts of boredom, and occasional triumphs. It was feeling honored by the privilege of getting to be present for another person’s most dismal moments, and knowing that you could be dismal around him in return.”
― Hanya Yanagihara, A Little Life

“Step Ten: Neglect to Tell the Heavy Metal Doofus You Lose Your Virginity to that It’s Your First Time and Then Bleed All Over His Bed “Okay, but, having your bed anointed with virgin’s blood is like the most metal thing ever, right?” “You should go.” Step”
― Lindy West, Shrill: Notes from a Loud Woman

“We’re having Thanksgiving at our place,” he said. “An old-fashioned Thanksgiving.” “With drag queens and hookers and cranberry sauce?” I asked breathlessly. “Just like at Grandma’s,” he replied.”
― Josh Kilmer-Purcell, I Am Not Myself These Days: A Memoir

“At the moments when you’re leveling up—say, you’re accepting a promotion or you’re on an extravagant vacation you can finally afford or you’re at the Grammys—take a look at who is surrounding you. You cannot be surrounded by people you’ve known for only two years. It was an exhortation to bring your people along for the ride. The people who know where you come from. The people who know what values you hold. The people who give you the gut checks you need. These are the people who will help you make the best decisions with the power and resources you have. They are also the people with whom you will want to enjoy your newfound success.”
― Aminatou Sow, Big Friendship: How We Keep Each Other Close