My Year of Rest and Relaxation

by Ottessa Moshfegh

“The moment we start making generalizations, we give up our right to self-govern.

asked Trevor once, “If you could have only blow jobs or only intercourse for the rest of your life, which one would you choose?” “Blow jobs,” he answered. “That’s kind of gay, isn’t it?” I said. “To be more interested in mouths than pussies?”

I learned to float on cheap affections gleaned from other people’s insecurities.

He wasn’t interested in understanding himself or evolving. He just wanted to shock people. And he wanted people to love and despise him for it.

There she is, a human being, diving into the unknown, and she is wide awake.