un pedacito de mi vida

It is a pivotal moment in their relationship. They have enjoyed each other’s company for months, but have never spoken of their emotions. She now feels a strong need for self-expression and for clarification of his feelings. But what is she to say? Her vocabulary of self-expression is large enough. For example, she might demurely admit that she is “attracted,” “stimulated,” “fascinated,” or “intrigued.” More boldly, she could say she is “infatuated” or “falling in love,” or, more riskily, that she is “intoxicated” or “madly passionate.” Such terms as “soul,” “need,” “want,” and “lust” are also on the tip of her tongue. But how should she choose at this delicate moment?

The question is all the more important because the fate of the relationship stands in the balance. Each term of self-revelation has different implications for the future. To admit “attraction” is somewhat reserved it suggests distance and judgments to be made. To say “stimulated” implies a more cerebral future. The terms “fascinated” and “intrigued” are comparatively dynamic, but still not very sensual. In contrast, to say she is “in love” could suggest she is slightly irrational or out of control. It is also an expression of emotional dependency; to add “passionately so” might drive the man away. Perhaps he only wanted a good time. The terms “soul” and “lust” could carry the relationship in still different directions. Her expressions of self cannot be separated from their social consequences.