Desire To Be Seen Quotes

“Everyone wanted to be an Art Girl. I wanted to be an Art Girl.”
― Ling Ma, Severance

“I’m the kid (and the man) who doesn’t raise his hand. Whenever I do, I regret it. Better to keep quiet, to work out my rejection with fear and trembling, and to keep hunting for a safe place where I’m never confronted with my own insignificance. And yet, at war with that desire to be invisible is a yearning to be seen and known and valued.”
― Andrew Peterson, Adorning the Dark: Thoughts on Community, Calling, and the Mystery of Making

“Is it so much to want to be seen?"
He hesitates, before saying, "I notice you. And you shouldn't be ashamed for wanting the spotlight. It's already yours."
As much as I don't want to condone the cliché poetry of his words, I can't help but smile.
"You're enough." His voice is sharp when he says it. "Don't ever forget it."
I meet his eyes, and to my surprise, I do feel seen.
Something within me softens, turning my cheeks warm. Maybe it's my glacier of a heart melting down. I untangle my folded arms, welcoming Damien closer. His fingers stroke my throat, rousing a shaky breath.
I lean closer, and his lips part wider. The whole world stills, all thoughts fading as I graze the wetness of his bottom lip.”
― Kiana Krystle, Dance of the Starlit Sea