The Breakaway

by Jennifer Weiner

Lizzie’s theory was that men rode their bikes the way they moved through the world—heedless, confident, making it everyone else’s job to get out of their way. Women were more cautious. They followed the rules and were careful about staying to the side of the road, about observing stop signs and traffic lights and calling “On your left!” when they passed. Many men—maybe most men—couldn’t be bothered.

Here was an approved path forward, with clearly delineated stops along the way. Easy and comfortable. Meant to be.

felt naked in the worst way; soft and defenseless, vulnerable to every faint breeze and passing slight. Which, I have come to believe, is how most people feel most of the time. Life hurts. It’s full of heartache, loss, and disappointment, and even the best things come salted with sorrow. But you can’t leave yourself open to the good things—happiness, true love, real connection—if you aren’t willing to risk being hurt.