Deep down,” she said, “I’m a coward.” His brows rose. “I’m…
““Deep down,” she said, “I’m a coward.” His brows rose. “I’m a coward,” she repeated. “And I’m scared. I’m scared all the time. Always.” He removed her hand from his cheek to kiss the tips of her fingers. “I get scared, too,” he murmured onto her skin. “You want to hear something ridiculous? Whenever I’m scared out of my wits, I tell myself: My name is Sam Cortland … and I will not be afraid. I’ve been doing it for years.” It was her turn to raise her brows. “And that actually works?” He laughed onto her fingers. “Sometimes it does, sometimes it doesn’t. But it usually makes me feel better to some degree. Or it just makes me laugh at myself a bit.” It wasn’t the sort of fear she’d been talking about, but … “I like that,” she said. He laced his fingers with hers and pulled her onto his lap. “I like you,” he murmured, and Celaena let him kiss her until she’d again forgotten the dark burden that would always haunt her.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Characters confront fear by adopting a humorous alter‑ego, showing that self‑talk can lessen anxiety but isn’t a cure‑all
In simple terms: Using a playful identity helps manage fear temporarily
Key Takeaway
Adopt a funny mantra when scared
Themes
fear
self‑acceptance
humor
Mood
tender
hopeful
intimate
Type
fiction
dialogue
romantic
When to use this quote
- public speaking
- exam stress
- relationship anxiety
- creative risk
Key Concepts
cognitive reframing
self‑talk
Questions to Reflect On
- When does humor help versus hinder?
- What other coping tools work for you?
A Different Perspective
The trick may fail under intense pressure, leading to avoidance