The Cactus

by Sarah Haywood

Ambiguity, at best, leads to misunderstanding and embarrassment; at worst, it gives others the opportunity to take advantage of any vulnerability they sense on your part.

Her persistence was such, however, that in the end I capitulated and read story after story about creatures, places and situations that couldn’t possibly have any basis in reality.

We can choose how to define ourselves,

willing to wound, but afraid to strike.

“A man who is his own lawyer has a fool for his client.”

I’m not a person who has close friends, and my acquaintances have never thought to include me in their celebrations.

Do something different. You’re a wonderful woman, Susan, but you’re very stuck in your ways. You’ve had the same job for years, you’ve lived in the same flat for years, and you never go out and meet new people. You hardly go out at all these days. I know I mightn’t seem like the best person to give advice, because I’ve had a few confidence issues recently, but I’m getting back out there again. Don’t you sometimes feel a bit claustrophobic? Like you just want to kick down the walls and do something really crazy and different and out of character?’

Stop saying “no” to everything and start saying “yes” sometimes.

I was going to a party. A New Year’s Eve party. With two other people. If you’d told me that a year ago, I wouldn’t have believed you.

‘If you have sole charge of your own destiny no one can let you down.’

I was starting to wonder if, perhaps, the rational decision isn’t always the best decision.

But truth is subjective; everyone has their own versions. Maybe both of ours are equally valid.’