This was a great read, a refreshing and honest depiction of desire. A topic that generally in society is frowned upon for its negative connotations. That's why I appreciate Esther Perel's reframing of desire existing in the wanting, which makes sense.

Your essay is a reminder there is a huge gap, cavern even between thoughts and acting out on them. Ultimately we always have a choice and are responsible.

On the topic of narcissism it got me thinking it is a form of abuse that in those early days we are blindsided. Whether it is deliberate, calculated or an intentional act there is always a form of deception that plays and speaks to our wants and need for connection. Narcissism is complicated because I suspect for the perpetrator it reveals an incompleteness, a lack which is not understood and acknowledged and yet plays out as an abusive insincere connection.