Ellen Hopkins, Perfect
16 quotes
"HOW do you define a word without concrete meaning? To each his own, the saying goes, soWHYpush to attain an ideal state of being that no two random people will agree isWHERE you want to be? Faultless. Finished. Incomparable. People can never be these, and anyway,WHENdid creating a flawless facade become a more vital goal than learning to love the personWHOlives inside your skin? The outside belongs to others. Only you should decide for you -WHATis perfect."
"Yes, it takes two to dance. But somebody has to lead."
"Nobody seems to care that with every push to live up to their expectations, my own dreams vaporize."
"Perfection is a ridiculous goal because there is no such thing. Real beauty is what you are inside."
"What we strive for, ultimately, is love. You won't find real love because you're beautiful on the outside. It is drawn to inner beauty. Spend your energy crafting that, and you will know true love."
"Tying the know means slipping a noose around love and choking it to death."
"Back turned, you don't have to look at what you've left behind. And the person who first turned their back on you can't watch you break down and cry. Never allow an enemy to see weakness in you."
"Living means taking chances. Risks. Playing safe all the time is being dead inside, even if you happen to still be breathing."
"...what good would it do toshutter your windows, neverdream of rainbows or find hopein promises? Why choose to walk awayrather than hold your groundand fight for love?"
"Anger is easier than forgiveness."
"Parenting should be a passion, not a part-time pursuit."
"I keep hearing that love isn't a logical emotion. Should I worry about that?"
"For a long while. Finally she says, I don't believe in love. Not sure it really exists, but even if it does for some people, it won't for me. She is serious. Then she lightens up. But, hey, if you think you love me, cool."
"I'm afraid it will never be perfect again. I am indelibly stained. Forever redefined, but blurred around the edges."
"When did creating a flawless facade become a more vital goal than learning to love the person who lives inside your skin?"
"What I don't like is what it sometimes takes to win. Backstabbing. Manipulation. Out-and-out bribery once in a while, and not always the monetary kind."