The Usual Rules Coming of Age Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #7

I know it doesn't seem as if we understand a single thing about how you're feeling these days. I don't expect I can make you feel any better. I just wanted you to know that I'm not so old I can't still remember a few things about being thirteen years old. The best I can tell you is, nobody stays thirteen forever. Though I'll just add, I have loved you madly, every single age you've ever been, and expect the trend to continue. (23.63)

Despite the fact that she finds Wendy's teenage grumblings annoying, Wendy's mom still makes a point to remind her that she loves her madly, no matter what age she is. She'll adore her daughter always.

Quote #8

But he didn't try to do anything else, right? Wendy asked her. They had decided to stay virgins until they were seventeen, and not to do anything with anyone until they'd discussed it with each other.

We talked about it, she said. He explained to me how it is for boys. The sex drive and so on. He did it one time already with a girl at his old school. He said next time he wants it to be with a person that he's really good friends with first, like me. (27.7-8)

Wendy's not the only one who's growing up and experiencing new things. Her best friend Amelia is embarking on a journey of her own—and hers involves to making out and doing other things with boys.

Quote #9

I guess you're still thirteen, huh?

It's my birthday in three weeks.

When difficult things happen it makes you seem a lot older, he said. A lot of people take me for older than fifteen. (29.213-215)

Because they've been through so much hardship, Wendy and Todd both feel a lot older than they are—and they have a special connection, too. They're not just two stupid kids; they're kindred spirits who have both experienced tragedy and pain.