Where We Belong

by Emily Giffin

“You never get a second chance to make a first impression” and “The purpose of life is a life of purpose” and “He who fails to plan, plans to fail.”

Do the right thing and tell the truth at any cost, even when it’s not convenient, even if it means hurting others.

I’ve always known that it’s impossible to argue with Belinda, not because she’s particularly good at it, but because she’s so bad at it—that there is no common ground to work from. She simply sees the world the way she wants to see it and no amount of logic can change her mind.

Seconds later, we separate, nervously glance around to see if anyone saw us, then continue walking, as if something earth-shattering hasn’t just happened.

So I guess what I’m trying to say is that life is fast. And it keeps speeding up. Sometimes I lose track of the season—or even the year. And we just have to make the best of it all. Our choices. Our fleeting moments together.”

“Because Marian was the love of my life. For a long time. And that’s the kind of information you share when you’re young and stupid and hoping that you’re in something that is going to be even bigger and better than what you once lost. It’s the kind of shit you waste your time thinking about. Lemme tell you—it does no good. Remember that, okay? Things are what they are and there’s no point dwelling in the past or wondering what could have been.”

“‘What’s not to love’ is hardly a reason to love,” she says. “And the catch of your life is not the same thing as the love of your life. Be careful of that subtle but rather crucial distinction.”