Gaze Quote by Richard Finney
““Do you mind?” she asked. “Mind what?” “While you were looking in the mirror I couldn’t help myself and I began fantasizing about you. And I figured if I was going to continue to fantasize about you, the only polite thing to do was to ask your permission. So now I’m doing the polite thing again and asking, ‘do you mind?’” “No, Nina. I don’t mind at all.” Then she leaned down and kissed him.””
About This Quote
Source Short story: The Polite Ask, published in Literary Magazine, 2020
A character seeks explicit consent before acting on a fantasy, turning a flirtatious moment into a respectful exchange.
In simple terms: Ask before acting on desire.
Key Takeaway
Seek consent openly.
Themes
consent
communication
fantasy
Mood
thoughtful
playful
respectful
Type
fiction
dialogue
When to use this quote
- dating
- role‑play
- intimate dialogue
Key Concepts
ethical intimacy
social etiquette
personal boundaries
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you feel comfortable expressing boundaries?
- How does asking change the dynamic?
A Different Perspective
Assuming consent without asking can lead to discomfort.
