"It was unnerving, the way she could go from cool efficiency to sarcastic to sweet within the space of thirty seconds. I found it very manipulative and controlling. It put the other person constantly on-guard. And it was extremely intimidating because you never knew when she was going to snap. I made a mental note to refine these skills within myself."

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Source: Augusten Burroughs (2011). “Take Five: Four Favorite Essays Plus One Never-Been-Seen Essay: Four Favorite Essays Plus One Never-Been-Seen Essay”, p.40, Macmillan

About the author

Augusten Burroughs

Author, Memoirist

Augusten Burroughs is an American author known for his memoir 'Running with Scissors,' which explores themes of mental illness and family dysfunction.

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