Afraid Quote by Jerry Spinelli
“Every day I hold my breath until I see her. Sometimes in class, sometimes in the hallway. I can't start breathing until I see her smile at me. She always does, but the next day I'm always afraid she won't. At lunch I'm afraid she'll smile more at BT than at me. I'm afraid she'll look at him in some way that she doesn't look at me. I'm afraid that when I go to bed at night I'll still be wondering. I'm always afraid. Is that what love is - fear?”
About This Quote
Source Book: Love, The First Time, Jerry Spinelli, 1995
The narrator confesses that his love is tangled with constant anxiety about the other's attention and affection.
In simple terms: Love feels like fear of losing attention.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and address insecurity.
Themes
love
insecurity
anxiety
young romance
Mood
anxious
hopeful
Type
reflective
emotional
When to use this quote
- school hallway
- classroom
- lunch
- night thoughts
Key Concepts
attachment
selfesteem
fear of rejection
Questions to Reflect On
- What does this fear reveal about your self‑worth?
- How can you find confidence beyond her reactions?
A Different Perspective
Fear can mask genuine connection and cause self‑sabotage.
