Chapter 157
The Weight of Waiting
The day after the opera the Rostóvs went nowhere and nobody came to see them. Márya Dmítrievna talked to the count about something which they concealed from Natásha. Natásha guessed they were talking about the old prince and planning something, and this disquieted and offended her. She was expecting Prince Andrew any moment and twice that day sent a manservant to the Vozdvízhenka to ascertain whether he had come. He had not arrived. She suffered more now than during her first days in Moscow. To her impatience and pining for him were now added the unpleasant recollection of her interview…
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Critical Thinking Exercise
Map Your Vulnerability Windows
Think about the last time you were stressed, lonely, or doubting yourself. Write down what you were craving most in that moment - validation, solutions, attention, or something else. Then identify who in your life tends to show up during these vulnerable times and what they typically want from you.
Consider:
- •Notice the timing - do certain people only reach out when you're struggling?
- •Consider what you were willing to overlook because someone was giving you what you needed
- •Think about the difference between people who support you and people who exploit your vulnerabilities
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when someone offered you exactly what you wanted to hear during a difficult period. Looking back, what were the red flags you missed, and how can you protect yourself from similar situations in the future?
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