If mothers are our first teachers, then having a narcissistic one teaches us that human closeness is terrifying, and the world is a heartless, inconsistent place. — Koren Zailckas Copy Share Image
In my early to mid-20s, a fear of confrontation made it difficult for me to end relationships in a mature or even quasi-sane way. Instead, I would hang on resentfully, praying that my doomed beau would end things first and… — Koren Zailckas Copy Share Image
My short stature may have something to do with my tendency to shout when enraged. How else is anyone going to hear me way… — Koren Zailckas Copy Share Image
I grew up in a family that despised displays of strong emotion, rage in particular. We stewed. We sulked. When arguments did occur, they… — Koren Zailckas Copy Share Image
I think when you're 14 years old, I think you're sort of looking for markers that prove you're an adult and you're independent of… — Koren Zailckas Copy Share Image
What makes a narcissistic mother so scary? Her absolute power and controlling influence. A narcissistic mother is your only 'friend,' at least until you're… — Koren Zailckas Copy Share Image
“Instead of seeing bad in yourself, you perceive it in others. It’s a defense mechanism. One that allows people to go on believing they’re… — Koren Zailckas Copy Share Image
For the first month of school, writing is its own upper. Pounding on my computer keys feels like playing the piano, like arranging words… — Koren Zailckas Copy Share Image
Having a child doesn't make a woman a mother any more than owning a paintbrush makes her Frida Kahlo. — Koren Zailckas Copy Share Image
I'm sick of the ignorance that lack of funding has generated, of the fathers who apporach me at dinner parties with their four-year-old girls… — Koren Zailckas Copy Share Image
If mothers are our first teachers, then having a narcissistic one teaches us that human closeness is terrifying, and the world is a heartless,… — Koren Zailckas Copy Share Image
I don't know where the idea originated that memoir writing is cathartic. For me, it's always felt like playing my own neurosurgeon, sans anesthesia.… — Koren Zailckas Copy Share Image
Since I've quit drinking, I'm not sure I've found the good life, but I've certainly uncovered a better one. — Koren Zailckas Copy Share Image
