“There is no redeeming value in harshness. There is nothing that harshness does that loving firmness doesn't do. Be firm with love, not harshness. That's the way you allow others to treat you, and very much as the way you treat yourself. And it's true. At 75, I have a deal with the universe: if it isn't kind, I'm not interested. And that adapted child who lives inside me can be very harsh to my own imperfection. And I will say to that, or to Belinda, or to a colleague, "You may have something to say to me, and it may be in my interest to learn and listen to you. But you have to say it like you're on my side, friend.”.” // Terry Real
