Alice Quote by Gena Showalter
““Pops: Plans for the future? Justin: Not sure yet. Pops: Well, why not? You don't got much longer in school, boy. Now's the time to figure things out, not later. Didn't anyone ever tel you that you can't spell later without the word late? Justin: I promise you, I'm doing my best to figure things out. Pops: "Doing my best" is a phrase failures use. Why don't you buy a man card and finish figuring? Me: Pops! That's so rude. Justin, I'm so sorry. Pops: What? How is a valid question rude? But all right, fine, I'll move on since baby boy can't take the heat. How about you finish this sentence for me, Jason? When a girl says no, she means... Justin, looking desperately at me: No? Nana: Are you not sure? Justin, shifting uncomfortably: I'm sure. No means no. Nana: Well, look at you. You got no right. Now here's another, even tougher sentence for you to finish. Premarital sex is... Me: Nana! I'm so sorry, Justin. Nana: Unlike Pops, I'm not moving on, Justin? Pops: His name is Jason. Justin: Uh...uh... Pops: While you think about that, why don't you tell me how you feel about drinking and driving? Justin: I'm totatlly against it, I swear! Nana: Methinks he protests too much.””
About This Quote
A dialogue about youthful uncertainty, consent, and moral choices, highlighting the pressure of adult expectations and the importance of clear boundaries.
In simple terms: Young people face pressure and must set clear boundaries.
Key Takeaway
Speak up, respect consent, and question harmful advice.
Themes
consent
responsibility
communication
peer pressure
ethical decision-making
Mood
thoughtful
serious
reflective
Type
dialogue
advice
warning
When to use this quote
- school decisions
- dating
- driving safety
- family discussions
- peer influence
Key Concepts
boundaries
authority
moral reasoning
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you assert your boundaries when pressured?
- What values guide your decisions on risky behaviors?
A Different Perspective
Advice may be dismissive or manipulative, and authority figures can be unreliable.
![“I love the phrase 'I am not afraid!' Maybe it's the best phrase we can say, other than 'I have everything I need.' Maybe they are the same. [p. 14]” quote by Sylvia Boorstein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f28/sylvia-boorstein-7241_fear_i-love-the-phrase-i-am-not-afraid-maybe_356864.jpg)
