Reviews

Spoilers ahead!

I really enjoyed it, was completely engrossed in the short story the entire time!

My opinion (basically a thought dump)
I think Margot's perspective regarding her situation was very well done, especially concerning Roberts character. How her idealised vision and rose-tinted lens that blinded her from his many undesirable personality traits (red flags) shatters so utterly and completely. And the hilarious 'plot twist' but not unsurprising ending. I felt utterly vindicated in the unveiling of his true character, helping give closure and dismissal of any lingering guilt, leaving behind the uncertainty of a (extremely valid) character judgment. (It was very much giving AITA follow ups when the deemed asshole faces their retribution, gave me the same amount of dopamine hit).

I think people should always take into account something called an 'Unreliable Narrator'. Yes Margot may come across as a little too self-righteous or (insert your chosen adjective here), but it would make sense considering we (the audience) are seeing things through HER eyes and perspective.

A vague breakdown of deeper topics
Another point, I think the short story speaks very well on the dynamics between men and women (also with an age gap like theirs). I'm not saying Margot shouldn't have approached the situation better to holds not wrong and is an angel. But. This whole mess that spawned out of an impulsive decision (on her part, we're not given too much insight into Roberts thoughts [except for Margots interpretations of his actions and behaviour]) and continuous bad decision making, had fistfuls of hints at their toxic dynamic. It wasn't just two people who were incompatible, but two insecure incompatible people, though one who holds more power, especially seen in their

date/sex

.

(Her relatable experience with-)
Her careful tiptoeing around his ego and insecurities
- her reflexive apologies and self-deprecation to maintain his ego
-

not wanting to have sex and only continuing because she didn't know how to gently let him down

Maybe I'm completely off the rails with this one, but a lot of this behaviour is a result of a life long societal influence of avoidance strategy of triggering men's tempers.

And my biggest point in regards to their power dynamic, is something I think is a pretty big concern (not that the others aren't).

But Margot being drunk, and him acknowledging it (clearly knowing so) and making the decision to still have sex with her. SHE IS DRUNK, SHE CANNOT GIVE CONSENT. She is inebriated and cannot make sound decisions.

Remember guys, you can always rescind your consent. Being drunk means you cannot give proper consent. And even if you had consented at that time, it doesn't dismiss or invalidate your feelings regarding the situation afterwards. Just because you gave consent doesn't mean you can't regret or feel uncomfortable with what happened.

Although one of her extreme major faults that contributed to this whole train wreck was her ongoing fantasys regarding her perceived power (her experience in sex and intimacy) over him. And her ego is quite admittedly there.

Another topic I want to briefly mention (idk if it was the intention of the author, especially since it's a bit off topic), but the effect of porn on people (especially men). The unrealistic expectations it creates as a result of desensitization, as well as its effects on the individuals physical and mental health.

The line I think that leaves me unsure of the most is, "heard a version of the story, though not quite the true one; nearly all her friends had.", painting Robert as this monstrous villain to her friends. I was unsure in her intent behind the twisting of her story. Whether it was to justify her fear and discomfort in the situation, scared that people would dismiss and scorn her for her reaction to the situation, or a justification to herself for her behaviour and self validation in the face of her embarrassing actions, or (the most likely) combination of both. Embarrassment of her own inaction, fear of the invalidation of her emotions and need to justify them (which I believe she does not need to justify [in regards to her fear of rescinding her consent]) and fear of Roberts reaction (when crossing paths at the bar).

I think it was a very good representation of the human experience . But seriously, it captures the complexities of peoples intentions, outcome desired and how its tight entwined with the different aspects of Freuds theory on the pysche. Basically how intertwined all aspects of people are, their personality, their desired perceived self, their believed vs expressed emotions, their intent etc.

This was kinda all over the place, but I hope you guys understood what I'm trying to get across.

Now some fun quotes that stuck out to me!

[
'"You're getting better at your job, " he told her. "You managed not to insult me this time." '

'"Concession stand girl, give me your phone number,"'

'He was very clever and she found that she had to work to impress him.'

'She thought he was going to go in for a kiss and prepared to duck and offer him her cheek, but instead of kissing her on the mouth he took her by the arm and kissed her gently on the forehead, as though she were something precious. “Study hard, sweetheart,” he said. “I will see you soon.”'

'“My parents are asking about u,” Margot texted, and Robert sent her back a smiley-face emoji whose eyes were hearts.'

'“Sorry, busy week at work,” he replied. “I promise I will c u soon.” Margot didn’t like this; it felt as if the dynamic had shifted out of her favor, and when eventually he did ask her to go to a movie she agreed right away.'

'As they kissed, she found herself carried away by a fantasy of such pure ego that she could hardly admit even to herself that she was having it. Look at this beautiful girl, she imagined him thinking. She’s so perfect, her body is perfect, everything about her is perfect, she’s only twenty years old, her skin is flawless, I want her so badly, I want her more than I’ve ever wanted anyone else, I want her so bad I might die.'

'The thought of this possible vulnerability touched her, and she felt kinder toward him than she had all night.'

'“I can’t believe I’m crying because I didn’t get into a bar,” she said. “You must think I’m such an idiot.” But she knew he didn’t think that, from the way he was gazing at her; in his eyes, she could see how pretty she looked, smiling through her tears in the chalky glow of the streetlight, with a few flakes of snow coming down.'

'It was a terrible kiss, shockingly bad; Margot had trouble believing that a grown man could possibly be so bad at kissing. It seemed awful, yet somehow it also gave her that tender feeling toward him again, the sense that even though he was older than her, she knew something he didn’t.'

'The effect of this on him was palpable and immediate, and she felt as if she were petting a large, skittish animal, like a horse or a bear, skillfully coaxing it to eat from her hand.'

'a doll made of rubber, flexible and resilient, a prop for the movie that was playing in his head. '

'“Are you fucking that guy right now”

“Are you”

“Are you”

“Are you”

“Answer me”

“Whore.” ♦'