Marisa Donnelly

“Puppy love is this constant need for validation and communication that the other person is into you. With real love you can sit in the same room together for HOURS and not say a word to each other and you know that everything is alright.”

Forgive us. For the snippets of you that find their way into a plot line, for the secrets you’ve whispered that somehow made it to the page. We’re passionate about both things—our words and you—sometimes we can’t keep them apart.

Your father has never been afraid to show emotion. You’ve learned from his tears that crying does not make you weak, but shows your incredible strength.

You are the guinea pig of their tragic pickup lines and attempts at flirting. So for the love of God (and hope for all the females out there) help them figure out what to say and how to text.

1. Get a haircut. A wow-you-look-amazing haircut to chop off the dead ends and start completely fresh.

I don’t know, exactly,
what it is I want to hear.
But I know I like
the sound of your voice,
the way you grab my chin, and pull
my face to yours, stare
into my eyes.

It was the epitome of your pre-adulting phase.

Kill them with competence.

They’ll do just about anything for each other. (Like sticking their hands down each others’ throats).

You only have one rule for getting dressed.
And the rule is that there aren’t any.

We don’t really know how to dress for dates—do we rock the t-shirt and jeans (that’s basically dressing up since all we wear is sweats), or do we go all out since we always look like we’re headed to the gym?!! Unanswered questions.

“The connections between and among women are the most feared, the most problematic, and the most potentially transforming force on the planet.”

We won’t quit. On you, on the relationship, or in an argument.

When he rocked his ‘Another One’ sandals to remind us that there’s always another thing to be thankful for.

A built in, cost effective security system: No need for a man when you have a dog that will fend off any intruders, burglars, or unwanted exes. (Clutch.)

You are not wrong for the craziness you feel. The excitement at a simple touch, a smile, a small gesture. It’s okay to hold onto a hug for just a moment too long, to stay in bed an extra minute, just to feel his touch on your skin.

If listening you’re your drunk friends wasn’t bad enough, now imagine sitting through the four-hour family shindig. Completely. Sober.

“You are such a girl.” This phrase was casual. Maybe an insult, but more likely a tease. A seemingly-harmless line my guy friends threw out there just to poke fun at my ‘feminine’ traits.