please, read books. not just captions, or carousel posts, or what made it to the top of your feed. read books. long ones. complex ones. you cannot build a mind with weight on the back of social media ephemerals. intellectual depth demands patience.
When I was 18, I went on a date with a guy who seemed genuinely sweet. He picked a nice Italian spot, pulled my chair out, paid for dinner without hesitation, and asked about my dreams like he actually cared about the answers. I remember thinking maybe this is what a good date feels like. But when we got outside and he suggested going back to his place, I told him I was going to head home instead, but that I really had a nice time with him. I even thanked him for dinner. I thought that was enough. I watched his entire energy shift. The smile disappeared. His tone changed. Suddenly I was “wasting his time.” Suddenly the dinner wasn’t just dinner, it was something I was supposed to repay. He said he didn’t take me out “just to talk,” and that’s when I realized the kindness had conditions. I Ubered home feeling small, replaying everything in my head. The next morning he texted me, “Don’t say you had a nice time if you’re not gonna follow through.” That’s when I realized he thought “nice date” meant access. I meant conversation. Apparently, we weren’t speaking the same language.
Opened a door with my hip while carrying a heavy box stocking up for the storm and an older gentleman yelled "I know a farm girl when I see one!" and I was elated to feel what this superior original must've felt