Summary

Part VI, “Leaving My Comfort Zone” (157) begins with Chapter 29, “Intent and Impact” (159), in which Irving recalls attending a conference for professionals of color. She was surprised by how uncomfortable she felt in a sea of non-white people. After the screening of a rough cut of a film, during the time designated for audience questions, Irving made a suggestion about how the film might be improved. Her comment was not well-received by a few attendees, who felt she was questioning the validity of the project. However, a few other attendees rallied around Irving afterwards to make sure her feelings were not hurt. She considered leaving the conference, but decided to stay.

In Chapter 30, “Feelings and the Culture of Niceness” (166), Irving reiterates her previous comments about her family and their avoidance of conflict and the expression of feelings. She also recalls an incident when she...