Eyes looking Quote by Carol Rifka Brunt
““What kind of party?” “The good kind.” “Yeah, right.” Greta knows that for me there are no good parties. I’m okay with one or two people, but more than that and I turn into a naked mole rat. That’s what being shy feels like. Like my skin is too thin, the light is too bright. Like the best place I could possibly be is in a tunnel far under the cool, dark earth. Someone asks me a question and I stare at them, empty-faced, my brain jammed up with how hard I’m trying to find something interesting to say. And in the end, all I can do is nod or shrug, because the light of their eyes looking at me, waiting for me, is just too much to take. And then it’s over and there’s one more person in the world who thinks I’m a complete and total waste of space. The worst thing is the stupid hopefulness. Every new party, every new bunch of people, and I start thinking that maybe this is my chance. That I’m going to be normal this time. A new leaf. A fresh start. But then I find myself at the party, thinking, Oh, yeah. This again. So I stand at the edge of things, crossing my fingers, praying nobody will try to look me in the eye. And the good thing is, they usually don’t.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Year of the Rat, 2014
Shyness feels like hiding in darkness, fearing social exposure, yet hope for acceptance persists despite repeated disappointment.
In simple terms: Shy people feel exposed and hope for normalcy.
Key Takeaway
Accept vulnerability and seek supportive environments.
Themes
social anxiety
shyness
hope
self‑acceptance
exclusion
Mood
anxious
hopeful
Type
reflective
empathetic
When to use this quote
- party settings
- networking events
- personal growth workshops
Key Concepts
Introversion
self‑esteem
social dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- What small steps can reduce social anxiety?
- How can one balance hope with realistic expectations?
A Different Perspective
Hope can lead to repeated disappointment if not managed.
