How we cite our quotes: (Phrase between semi-colons)
Quote #7
this is how to bully a man (45)
Hm, you know what's missing from all this advice? Any sense that men and women can be in loving, fulfilled relationships with each other. Just bullying and sex. Awesome.
Quote #8
this is how a man bullies you (46)
Mom says this just like she's teaching Girl how to cook fish. It seems like domestic abuse is expected to be part of Girl's everyday life. Notice that Mom doesn’t give any advice on leaving a man who abuses you, or stopping him from bullying you. She just tells Girl as if to inform her. Like, by the way, you will be abused by men, just letting you know, one woman to another.
Quote #9
this is how to love a man; and if this doesn't work there are other ways, and if they don't work don't feel too bad about giving up (47-48)
This is the nicest we've ever seen Mom. What do you think has gotten into her? Maybe a little personal experience? We feel a little sad for her here because we guess that she has been in these shoes before. It’s maybe at this part more than any other part that she feels like a sympathetic mom.