If you see me standing on my head, I’m trying to cheer you up with my frown. I need my honesty, you my pleasantry.

here is little Effie’s headwhose brains are made of gingerbreadwhen the judgment day comesGod will find six crumbsstooping by the coffinlidwaiting for something to riseas the other somethings did–you imagine His surprisebellowing through the general...

To be truly positive in the eyes of some, you have to risk appearing negative in the eyes of others.

I finally know the difference between pleasing and loving, obeying and respecting. It has taken me so many years to be okay with being different, and with being this alive, this intense. (xxvi)

Always tying to please others is definitely an assured path to stress and failures in life.

Try not to be too focused on pleasing others and end up losing your true self.

Never belittle yourself to please people who aren’t willing to upgrade themselves.

I’d been doing everything to please everyone else and some imaginary me.

The increased desire to please God and seek HIS approval will decrease the desire to seek approval from man.