Part of me loves and respects men so desperately, and part of me thinks they are so embarrassingly incompetent at life and in love. You have to teach them the very basics of emotional literacy. You have to teach them how to be there for you, and part of me feels tender toward them and gentle, and part of me is so afraid of them, afraid of any more violation.
In her book "Operating Instructions: A Journal of My Son's First Year," Anne Lamott expresses a complex relationship with men. She acknowledges a deep respect and love for them, yet simultaneously views them as often inept in navigating life and love. This duality highlights her appreciation for the tenderness required in understanding emotional connections while also recognizing the challenges men face in emotional literacy.
Lamott articulates a struggle between her nurturing instincts and her fear, stemming from past violations. She feels a need to guide men toward better emotional understanding, showcasing both her compassion and apprehension. This internal conflict paints a vivid picture of the difficulties in fostering genuine connections while grappling with past traumas.
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All the things you can talk about in anyone's work are the things that are least important.
Race of Cain, ascend to heaven, And cast God down upon the earth!
