Gaze Quote by Donna Kauffman
““She couldn’t help it; she looked hungrily at his dessert-covered chest and abs. Like a woman starved and stranded at sea. Her gaze rose slowly to meet his. But before she could reply, or attack and devour him, a boat horn sounded, making them both start. An amused voice carried the short distance across the water. “He surrenders, Kerry! Don’t make him walk the plank!” Kerry pulled back as if she’d been physically poked, swinging her gaze across the water to where another sailboat was passing by, getting ready to leave the harbor for the bay, sails fully unfurled. It was Jim Stein, with his wife, Carol, an older couple who were long-time friends of Fergus’s but well known to the whole McCrae clan. She felt her cheeks flaming in embarrassment and was grateful they were far enough away not to see the particulars of what was going on. Of course they could plainly see Cooper was shirtless, but she still had on the hoodie and fishing hat, so how inappropriately could they be behaving, right? If only they knew. Five more minutes and her old friends might have gotten a completely different eyeful. Hell, five more seconds.””
About This Quote
Source Short story: “Harbor of Embarrassment,” 2020
A woman’s embarrassment over a flirtatious moment is amplified by friends’ presence, revealing social anxiety and the desire for privacy.
In simple terms: Public moments can intensify personal shame.
Embrace humor to ease awkwardness.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- social gatherings
- dating scenes
- friend group interactions
- public spaces
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you handle unexpected attention?
- Can humor always reduce embarrassment?
Humor may not always defuse discomfort for everyone.