"The nature of living and loving is the act of reciprocity," suggests Terry Tempest Williams. She reflects on gender roles, traditionally portraying women as either givers or receivers, emphasizing that the roles of guest and host might be interchangeable. Instead, she proposes a view where the guest gives as much as they receive, fostering mutual respect and joy in relationships.

Williams encourages women to embrace this balance, imagining a world where they are both hosts and guests simultaneously. She believes this perspective could help women avoid martyrdom, fostering healthier, more reciprocal interactions built on shared gift-giving and understanding.