I wanted to send this one to my husband to read. The part about needing god-like praise for doing the dishes. If I did send it, he wouldn’t understand why and just think I was picking on him or telling him I want a divorce. Men can be very fragile. Then they end up divorced and are confused how they got there.
I an so happy to know that. I think you have been treated very badly by a few very loud voiced embittered people who will never cease but that's not a reason to deny the rest of us the right to hear your words of heart and hurt and humor. We are all chipped but not broken. Know you have a loyal audience.
But isn't excessive self abnegation a kind of narcissism and unappealing as it burdens a potential partner immediately? And being organized is not a quality sought in human relations is it? It's desirable in bureaucracies but not in people ... warmth and tenderness and humor are human virtues and I see all of those here. The sorrow in this passage is palpable but surmountable, just too much concentration on it.
Yes, my therapist once said that self-hatred is a form of narcissism. And I tried to create that kind of narcissism in this character. He’s self-aware to some extent but he’s still a narcissist (though he is sobering up and thinking about a solid future so perhaps he can grow up).
For a brief while, I imagined I was actually sitting in the car with you, hearing you talk, sharing the same views, and each feeling empty. " It's your narrative.
Yes, yes (smile), I meant the fictional narrator by "you," but what I also meant is that it's still "you" with your voice, Sherman (like when you are a good actor). It's alway possible to be true in a different way, just as you often say, "if it's fiction, it's better be true." And that's why I was correctly mesmorised. The fictional guy is "you" and also me. That's the magic of your writing. Thank you, Sherman. Sorry for the long reply!
So sad, but I had to smile at the line about unorganized organizers. Decades before apps were invented, I bought the book, Getting Organized, and couldn't find it in my house for years....
I wanted to send this one to my husband to read. The part about needing god-like praise for doing the dishes. If I did send it, he wouldn’t understand why and just think I was picking on him or telling him I want a divorce. Men can be very fragile. Then they end up divorced and are confused how they got there.
Oh, wow. This was a powerful story for you. Dang. Amazing and sad how even the most liberal of us dudes end up in stereotypical gender roles.
Taking turns being the wrecking ball and the condemned building. Wow, you perfectly described my ex-wife and I. Gladly it's not that way now.
O, how much we can hurt the ones we love the most. I’m happy you’ve made it past the pain.
I an so happy to know that. I think you have been treated very badly by a few very loud voiced embittered people who will never cease but that's not a reason to deny the rest of us the right to hear your words of heart and hurt and humor. We are all chipped but not broken. Know you have a loyal audience.
Thank you.
Well I like this character but wonder how he will choose to grow... keep him vital! Thanks for sharing your words and hope. Your voice is missed.
Thank you so much. And there are books on the way!
But isn't excessive self abnegation a kind of narcissism and unappealing as it burdens a potential partner immediately? And being organized is not a quality sought in human relations is it? It's desirable in bureaucracies but not in people ... warmth and tenderness and humor are human virtues and I see all of those here. The sorrow in this passage is palpable but surmountable, just too much concentration on it.
Yes, my therapist once said that self-hatred is a form of narcissism. And I tried to create that kind of narcissism in this character. He’s self-aware to some extent but he’s still a narcissist (though he is sobering up and thinking about a solid future so perhaps he can grow up).
Such a clear voice, one does think it is about you!
Thank you, Dee…well, the lack of organizational skills is…um…autobiographical.
You create space for the human condition(s). Thank you.
Thank you.
Wow. All I can say in this moment after a first read . . . Hitting me in the gut. Powerful.
As always, a wonderful story in all the ways a story should be. This would also be an excellent rock ballad.
Beautifully written and narrated. Great job, Sherman!
Thank you!
For a brief while, I imagined I was actually sitting in the car with you, hearing you talk, sharing the same views, and each feeling empty. " It's your narrative.
Thanks. The fictional guy was in the car. I just had chicken salad sandwiches with my family!
Yes, yes (smile), I meant the fictional narrator by "you," but what I also meant is that it's still "you" with your voice, Sherman (like when you are a good actor). It's alway possible to be true in a different way, just as you often say, "if it's fiction, it's better be true." And that's why I was correctly mesmorised. The fictional guy is "you" and also me. That's the magic of your writing. Thank you, Sherman. Sorry for the long reply!
Thank you. Yes, I want this fiction to feel true—I want to get inside the head of this guy and make him real.
So sad, but I had to smile at the line about unorganized organizers. Decades before apps were invented, I bought the book, Getting Organized, and couldn't find it in my house for years....
This one is really special.
Thank you.
Thanks for meeting my best Broadway play expectations
Makes me laugh,cry,learn
Rejoice!
Thank you!
Absolutely beautiful. Thank you for this.
Thank you, Tim.
Have you tried Harmony.com? It's a joke! A joke. God, what is wrong with me?
Haha!
I love this piece. It gives me permission to see my failures in relationship which are mammoth.
I think I can breath a little better today.
Thank you for your so human wisdom.
Thank you. Yes, our failures—all of us.