The Academy

by Elin Hilderbrand

have this recurring fantasy where I do something extraordinary and she realizes she was a fool to leave me, Rhode says. It’s not that I even want her back. I would just like a moment of triumph.

It was a textbook example of a woman agreeing to something that made her uncomfortable simply so she didn’t hurt a man’s feelings, ruffle feathers, or seem like a bitch.

“I’ve been wondering what the universe is trying to tell me, and I’ve decided it’s this: I’m built to survive whatever comes my way. It’s also taught me to practice gratitude for each day I’m given. I’m lucky to be here.

Men can’t just do something nice, it’s always transactional. They expect a return and that return is access to women’s bodies.