In Joyce Carol Oates' "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?: Selected Early Stories," the character Dorie demonstrates a level of awareness and acceptance about her life experiences. She is described as a daydreamer, which suggests that she often envisions various scenarios and possibilities in her mind. This trait equips her to handle unexpected situations, as she feels an innate readiness for whatever life may throw her way.
Furthermore, Dorie's admission that she had anticipated this particular moment indicates her complex relationship with fate and her ability to navigate through uncertainty. Although she could not have foreseen the specific circumstances, her mindset allows her to adapt and confront reality with an open heart. This reflects the theme of acceptance and the interplay between dreams and reality in Oates' narrative.