Why are you crying?' 'How can I possibly look good to you?…
““Why are you crying?' 'How can I possibly look good to you? I'm pregnant! I'm really, really pregnant!' 'Of course you are. Why are you crying?' 'Because I'm going to Hawai'i!' 'Yes, you're going to Hawai'i. Come on now, pull yourself together.' I kept crying. Darren looked frantic. He stepped back and fumbled for his roguish smirk. 'So, is this a hormone thing?' 'No, it's not a hormone thing! I'm old, Darren! I'm old and pregnant, and I'm going to Hawai'i. Can you understand how that makes me feel?' He could not. How could I possibly expect my husband to understand all the bizarre things that happen to a woman in spirit and flesh when a friendly alien takes over her body? He still couldn't figure out why Laurie and I wanted to fly all the way to Hawai'i just to spend a week lounging around the pool, comparing underarm flab, when we could stay home and have the same conversation over the phone for a lot less money.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Pregnancy and societal expectations create pressure, but personal desires and emotions may conflict with external expectations.
In simple terms: Pregnancy brings emotional pressure and expectations that clash with personal wishes.
Key Takeaway
Communicate needs and set boundaries.
Themes
pregnancy
expectations
communication
identity
emotional health
Mood
empathetic
introspective
Type
advice
narrative
When to use this quote
- doctor appointments
- partner discussions
- travel planning
- budgeting
- self‑care routines
Key Concepts
feminist literature
psychology
social norms
Questions to Reflect On
- How can partners better support each other's emotional needs?
- What boundaries help balance personal desires with societal expectations?
A Different Perspective
External pressures can silence personal feelings and choices.