The best you can sometimes do is learn to take a breath, count to ten and simply accept that try as you might, no, your husband will never, ever learn not to drop a wet towel on the bed. That acceptance too counts as resolving a fight.

I will fight for you with every breath in my body - and I will never, ever let you down.

Sometimes when I hear criticism of my husband, I want to come out of my seat and clock somebody. But you learn to take a deep breath.

Your parents leave you too soon and your kids and spouse come along late, but your siblings know you when you are in your most inchoate form.

When you are racing in an able-bodied competition, you're all equal and you go out there and try your best, and that's what counts.

At the root of the shy temperament is a deep fear of social judgment, one so severe it can sometimes be crippling. Introverted people don't worry unduly about whether they'll be found wanting, they just find too much socializing exhausting and would prefer either to be alone or in the company of a select few people.