Cheating Quote by Emily R. Austin
““I feel abnormally aware of the air in my lungs and of the blood in my body. Brian’s breath is loud and reminds me that he is a person and that he is alive and so am I. I put his hand on my throat to stop my breath and try to subdue this feeling of being a person who breathes and takes up space and fucks people, but he won’t keep his hand there. He moves it to my waist and kisses my forehead. I feel a cold rush down my body and suddenly I’m panicked. I wonder if Brian has ever been with a girl who loved him before. I wonder if there is a person out in the world who would feel sick at the thought of him being naked with me. I cannot shake this thought. I become sure of it. I suddenly feel a sickening, overwhelming guilt. I have to close my eyes to stop from crying at the thought of the girl I have imagined.””
About This Quote
The narrator experiences heightened bodily awareness and anxiety in an intimate moment, confronting feelings of guilt, shame, and fear of being judged, while also noticing the other's comforting gestures.
In simple terms: Intimacy triggers anxiety and guilt.
Key Takeaway
Acknowledge and process uncomfortable feelings during closeness.
Themes
intimacy
anxiety
guilt
self‑consciousness
Mood
anxious
reflective
Type
personal
psychological
When to use this quote
- sexual relationships
- mental health
- self‑acceptance
- communication strategies
Key Concepts
bodily awareness
emotional vulnerability
Questions to Reflect On
- What triggers your guilt in intimate moments?
- How can you communicate vulnerability without fear?
A Different Perspective
Guilt may stem from internalized shame rather than actual wrongdoing.
