Women Writers of Color Terry McMillan (b. 1951)

What I do know deep down, although I keep it secretly secret, is that I am terrified at the thought of losing myself again wholeheartedly to any man, because it is so scary peeling off that protective sealant that's been guarding my heart, and letting somebody go inside and walk around, lie down, look around, and see all those red flags, especially when right next to your heart is your soul, and then inside that is the rest of your personality puzzle pieces and they're full of flaws and in your grown-up years you have just finally started to recognize them for what they are one by one. . . --How Stella Got Her Groove Back