Chapter 33
The Red Deeps Reunion
In the Red Deeps The family sitting-room was a long room with a window at each end; one looking toward the croft and along the Ripple to the banks of the Floss, the other into the mill-yard. Maggie was sitting with her work against the latter window when she saw Mr Wakem entering the yard, as usual, on his fine black horse; but not alone, as usual. Some one was with him,—a figure in a cloak, on a handsome pony. Maggie had hardly time to feel that it was Philip come back, before they were in front of the window,…
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Critical Thinking Exercise
Identify Your Starvation Points
Make two lists: things you've been denying yourself 'for good reasons' and people or situations that suddenly seem appealing because they offer what you've been missing. Look for patterns between the lists. This isn't about judgment, it's about awareness before vulnerability becomes a problem.
Consider:
- •Consider both big denials (career dreams, relationships) and small ones (hobbies, rest, social time)
- •Notice if your 'good reasons' for denial are actually fear, guilt, or people-pleasing in disguise
- •Ask whether someone offering what you're starving for has their own agenda or complicated circumstances
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when you were so grateful someone offered what you'd been denying yourself that you ignored red flags or potential consequences. What would you do differently now?
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