Juliet knew that, to many people, she might seem to be odd and solitary-and so, in a way, she was. But she had also had the experience, for much of her life, of feeling surrounded by people who wanted to drain away her attention and her time and her soul. And usually, she let them. Be available, be friendly {especially if you are not popular}-that was what you learned in a small town and also in a girls' dormitory. Be accommodating to anybody who wants to suck you dry, even if they know nothing about who you are. She looked straight at this man and did not smile. He saw her resolve, there was a twitch of alarm in his face.
by Alice Munro
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Juliet is aware that others may perceive her as peculiar and isolated, and in some ways, she embraces this description. Throughout her life, she has encountered numerous individuals eager to consume her energy and attention, and too often, she acquiesced to their demands. In her experiences within a small town and a girls' dormitory, she learned the importance of being available and friendly, even if it meant sacrificing her own well-being to accommodate those who fail to understand her true self.

In a moment of confrontation, Juliet's lack of smile conveys her determination and resolve, catching the man off guard. This shift in her demeanor illustrates a turning point where she decides not to allow others to exploit her kindness any longer. Instead of yielding to their expectations, she asserts her boundaries, reflecting a newfound strength in her character.

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