Part 4/12:
Her story illustrates a chain of self-awareness: her determination to prove her intelligence and independence led her to treat men as rivals rather than partners. She confesses to behaviors that alienated potential relationships—such as speaking in Italian to impress a waiter while her boyfriend sat bored, or intentionally showing off her wit and intellect in romantic encounters. She admits that her attitude may have contributed to her current solitude, and she regrets that her pursuit of independence came at the cost of love and family life.