... something more demanding and chaotic with a guy, who was usually someone I did not like so much – a kind of antagonism there, truth be told. Sex with a guy always felt a bit like fighting, you could get hurt, or realise that you had been hurt when the hangover hit. Hard to say what you felt at the time.
-- Narration/ Nell (Nell (1))

Importance: This quote highlights Nell's detachment from healthy relationships and her pattern of engaging with men who bring instability and conflict into her life. Her description of sex as a combative, potentially painful experience underscores her disconnection from her own desires and agency, aligning with the novel's broader exploration of abusive dynamics and emotional disempowerment. This reflection sets the stage for her journey toward recognizing these harmful patterns, learning to value herself, and ultimately pursuing a relationship rooted in mutual respect and care with David.

So, this is me. I look...
-- Narration/ Nell (Nell (1))