It took you twelve years to see that being good had gotten your piano teacher everywhere and you nowhere at all. So you decide, for the first time in your life, that you aren't going to be one of the good girls anymore. You decide that good is not an adjective that ought to be applied to a person, as it only rendered you inanimate and inhuman, like a piece of cheese or a watercolor painting.
In this excerpt, the author reflects on the realization that striving to be "good" has not led to personal fulfillment or success. The comparison to a piano teacher suggests that societal expectations of goodness might benefit others but can hinder self-expression and individuality. This moment represents a turning point, where the narrator chooses to abandon the constraints of being labeled "good," recognizing that such a label strips away one's humanity and agency.
This decision embodies a rejection of conventional standards and an embrace of a more authentic self. By equating the notion of being "good" to being lifeless, the author advocates for individuality over conformity. This insight serves as a powerful statement against the pressures of societal expectations, encouraging a more profound self-discovery and self-acceptance beyond the limitations of traditional definitions of virtue.
