Chapters 11-19
Making yourself happy is the most fulfilling feeling in life; Emily Griffin expresses this theme throughout her book “Something Borrowed”. The
book shares a message to not be ashamed of what you feel even if it hurts
others because in the end it's only you who matters. The theme is expressed
through a character in the book Rachel. She has a hard time making a decision
of “Do I make myself happy? Or hold back my happiness to not hurt others?” and
often chooses to hide her feelings to make others happy.
“ “I am fine with the
way things are,” I say. It’s not exactly true, but I am afraid of losing him if
I ask for more. Of course, I am terrified of truly being with him too.” -Rachel
(Page: 136)
Rachel can’t hide her feelings anymore for Darcy’s fiancé
Dex and Dex can’t hide what he feels for Rachel. Rachel’s scared of the
consequences of being happy because she will end up hurting her best friend Darcy in the process… but should that even matter to her? Yes, they have been best
friends since elementary school and have grown to be adults together but is it
worth it to stop your happiness for a friend?
Lying to yourself about the feelings you harbor will only end with “what
ifs?” and leave you feeling unfulfilled with the life you live.
“Avoiding regret at
any cost. Being good no matter what. Good student. Good Daughter. Good friend.
And yet I am struck by the sudden realization that regret cuts two ways. I
might also regret sacrificing myself, my own desires for Darcy sake, in the
name of friendship, in the name of being a good person. Why should I be martyr
here?” – Rachel (Page: 163)
Emily Griffin is trying to express a much deeper meaning than most will realize. Being in a tricky situation like Rachel is confusing, and is pure heart to mind battle. Her mind tells her to be a good friend and to push away her feelings to live a drama free simple life, but her heart, on the other hand, is telling her to express her love for Dex. Following her heart would make her happy but the consequences are holding her back. Rachel needs to make a decision if she wants to listen to her mind and always question“what if" I would have expressed my feelings publically would my life be with Dex. An alternative could be to listen to her heart and not have to live with the "What if's". Us readers, know what she should do, and that is to follow her heart, but Rachel cannot seem to find the direction she wants to follow. Happiness is at her feet, and she is scared to take advantage of it. Emily Griffin expresses the theme that you need to make yourself happy before anybody else.
Do you think Rachel will follow her heart or forever keep in her feelings due to the consequences that might happen?
I understand that she does not want to hurt her best friend but she is hurting herself in the long run. Keeping her feelings in will est her up inside. Would you rather stay with your true love or keep your friend that could never or hurt you?
ReplyDeleteYes, I completely agree she's hurting herself more and more as she holds it in longer! In my honest opinion even though the guy could potentially hurt me in the long run I would choose him in this situation. Life's about taking risks and you will never know what's possible until you try. I can relate this with the movie The Notebook because the character Allie takes a risk by finding Noah while she's already engaged. She knew that she would lose her fiancé and her parents approval by finding him but she went for it anyway. Rachel needs to be like Allie and just go for it; take the risk.
DeleteDoes Dex have the exact same feelings for Rachel? And also I feel it would be right to tell her friend as they've been friends for way too long to be hiding things from each other, even if it means hurting them.
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DeleteYes, in the book Dex repeatedly tells Rachel she is the love of his life. He wants to be with her but what confuses Rachel is that he has yet to break up with Darcy. Dex not breaking up with Darcy yet gives Rachel her reason to doubt. Dex has have strong feelings and will break off the engagement is what I believe will happen. I also agree, Dex and Rachel both need to admit their feelings to Darcy but when is the right time ? I feel like they are both fighting with their feelings and never really are sure if there is a right time to say it to Darcy. No matter when they tell Darcy the same reaction will most likely happen and it won't be a good one.
DeleteI really like that quote by Leon Brown, and he is very correct because no a day the key to life at least from my stand point is minding your own business to make other happy and as well as your self. sounds like a great read, and i really love the quote.
ReplyDelete#THE VILLE GRAND PUBBA