@Spacemilk: Oh, good to know! Read more

@tigris010: That's a good point about knowing your limits! I think people assume I am very outgoing now, but if I "overdo" it, I get very exhausted and depressed: us natural introverts need time to recharge! Read more

@heytherefancypants: Haha it wasn't — but along similar lines! Read more

The thing that worked for me — because I'm as self-critical as I am socially anxious! — was some horrible quote that described shyness as "the worst form of self-absorption." (Someone in a Paris Review Interview I think.) I found that idea so shocking that I immediately worked to overcome it. Not that I recommend… Read more

@Descarada: It's awful when the "trying to be open to new people!" thing reminds you why you weren't in the first place! Read more

@ThePieHole: More giving him the benefit of the doubt about how insulting he was being. Read more

@Devonna: Sigh. They're the best. Read more

@Cloots Tokala: In glasses, less! Read more

@chiquitabanana: True, thanks for the clarification! I tried to clear up in text. And agreed on Rehman as being profile-worthy. Read more

@tonyola: YES to RM ref! Read more

@thelizisawesome: Yes, and many were pregnant or had children, too. Read more

@Isi: Good point. I live around a lot of feral dogs. Read more

@samanthajonesprqueen: Oh no, they're repulsive. Especially when they have "residue" stuck to their fur. Read more

@Vivi21: I like it! Read more

@MsKatherineSpeaks: Same as always: LEARN TO DRIVE. Read more

@tinyphoto: I plan to go with my nascent NYC book club this year! Truth is have always been discouraged by the fact that my actual Orchard-St. dwelling Great-grandma was apparently a nasty hoarder who went around uttering the dismissive but intriguing line, "Ha ha. Send it in," whenever anyone sassed her. Read more

@PhillyLass: I found it rang much, much truer than that — you felt the passion came before the book deal, not the other way round, for once. Read more

@LostBedStuy: She doesn't romanticize it; indeed, that's kind of the story. I think you'd find it interesting. Read more

@ambelle: Well, that's one theory. It's much discussed in this book, don't worry! Read more

@kenzington: I'm in. It will rival the McKibbon lofts! Read more