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Curly hair Quote by Sarah Dessen

“What the hell," I said, pushing off the wall, ready to take off the head of whatever stupid salesperson had decided to get cozy with me. My elbow was still buzzing, and I could feel a hot flush creeping up my neck: bad signs. I knew my temper. I turned my head and saw it wasn't a salesman at all…” quote by Sarah Dessen
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““What the hell," I said, pushing off the wall, ready to take off the head of whatever stupid salesperson had decided to get cozy with me. My elbow was still buzzing, and I could feel a hot flush creeping up my neck: bad signs. I knew my temper. I turned my head and saw it wasn't a salesman at all. It was a guy with black curly hair, around my age, wearing a bright orange T-shirt. And for some reason he was smiling. "Hey there," he said cheerfully. "How's it going?" "What is your problem?" I snapped, rubbing my elbow. "Problem?" "You just slammed me into the wall, asshole." He blinked. "Goodness," he said finally. "Such language." I just looked at him. Wrong day, buddy, I thought. You caught me on the wrong day. "The thing is," he said, as if we'd been discussing the weather or world politics, "I saw you out in the showroom. I was over by the tire display?" I was sure I was glaring at him. But he kept talking. "I just thought to myself, all of a sudden, that we had something in common. A natural chemistry, if you will. And I had a feeling that something big was going to happen. To both of us. That we were, in fact, meant to be together." "You got all this," I said, clarifying, "at the tire display?" "You didn't feel it?" he asked. "No. I did, however, feel you slamming me into the wall," I said evenly. "That," he said, lowering his voice and leaning closer to me, "was an accident. An oversight. Just an unfortunate result of the enthusiasm I felt knowing I was about to talk to you.””

Sarah Dessen

About This Quote

Source Novel: Unknown (likely contemporary romance) by Sarah Dessen, 2020s

A heated encounter reveals miscommunication and unexpected connection, showing how assumptions can fuel conflict before understanding emerges.

In simple terms: Misunderstandings can lead to conflict but also unexpected connections.

Key Takeaway

Pause before reacting; seek clarity.

Themes

miscommunication conflict unexpected connection

Mood

tense irritated curious

Type

dialogue narrative conversational

When to use this quote

  • customer service
  • personal confrontation
  • first impressions
  • de-escalation

Key Concepts

human interaction emotional intelligence

Questions to Reflect On

  • What assumptions did you make?
  • How could you have defused the situation?
A Different Perspective

Assuming intent can worsen tension and block resolution.

2.8 out of 5 (8 ratings)

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