Gaze Quote by Tao Lin
““After untangling a cord, then moving the MacBook to the floor, Paul lay beside Erin and meekly pawed her forearm three times, then briefly held some of her fingers, which were surprisingly warm. He lay stomach-down with his arm on her arm, thinking that if she woke, while he was asleep, this contact could be viewed as accidental. Maybe she would roll toward him, resting her arm across his back—they'd both be stomach-down, as if skydiving—in an unconscious or dream-integrated manner she wouldn't remember, in the morning, when they'd wake in a kind of embrace and begin kissing, neither knowing who initiated, therefore brought together naturally, like plants that join at their roots.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: “Taipei” by Tao Lin, 2013
A scene of tentative, accidental intimacy where two people navigate desire and consent through subtle, unplanned contact.
In simple terms: Accidental closeness leads to intimacy.
Key Takeaway
Embrace uncertainty, let moments unfold naturally.
Themes
intimacy
consent
vulnerability
Mood
intimate
reflective
Type
narrative
literary
When to use this quote
- first kiss
- quiet moments
- shared space
Key Concepts
human connection
unconscious desire
physical proximity
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we ensure consent in spontaneous encounters?
- What role does intention play in accidental intimacy?
A Different Perspective
May be romanticized, overlooking clear communication.
