I believe a metamorphosis begins within a man the moment he gives his heart to a woman in (what he is absolutely convinced is) adult love – and is reciprocated. There is no escape from that initial elevation of a true first love – except the dark, long plunge into fathomless despair if (and when) it fails. If that love fails or wanes, he is altered. Each time he gives over to love, a man is at the same time withered and reduced, elevated and reinforced.
