Asked Quote by Carolee Dean
““Are you a virgin?” I asked, “A virgin who’s gonna tear out my heart?” “Yes … no … wait.” She looked at me. “I’m not going to rip out your heart.” “Thanks for clearing that up,” I said “Is that okay with you?” she asked softly. “Okay with me?”,“No, it’s not okay at all,” I replied. “Why not?” She looked down at her toes. “I want you to rip out my heart.” She smiled, pressed her hand to my chest, and said, “I could never do that.” You already have, I thought as I took her hand in mine””
About This Quote
Source Short story: Anonymous contemporary fiction, unknown publication
A dialogue explores vulnerability, desire for emotional intimacy, and the paradox of wanting to be hurt yet fearing it.
In simple terms: Desire for deep connection clashes with fear of pain.
Key Takeaway
Embrace honesty about emotional needs.
Themes
vulnerability
desire
intimacy
Mood
reflective
intimate
Type
narrative
conversational
When to use this quote
- romantic relationships
- confessional writing
- therapy sessions
Key Concepts
psychology
paradox
emotional honesty
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you express emotional needs without fear?
- What does “heart” symbolize for you?
A Different Perspective
The metaphor of heart‑ripping may obscure practical communication.
![“I hear my father's voice faintly, over the telephone, answering for me in a soft drawl. "He's my son." He reaches out his hand, pressing it against the glass, as if trying to touch me. He smiles, and I see a tear making its way down his cheek. [...] I press my hand up against my father's and I'm…” quote by Carolee Dean](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/402/carolee-dean-9964_father_i-hear-my-father-s-voice-faintly-over-th_333451.jpg)
