Field Guide to Resisting Temptation
Sarah Wells
Brevity

Wells begins by creating a connection with the reader through mention of topical practices-- song lyrics on Facebook and Youtube music videos. I thought Well's divulging that the "you" was having an affair was brilliant. "When you think of something funny text it to your husband," she writes. This was such a subtle way to slip into what began as breakup angst that something larger was going on. I think that is what I would most like to mimic from this author, her ability to create tension. The story isn't suspense but she propels you through it by taking her time leaking exposition material. For example the line "Later they will know it wasn't , was you, all you. And him. And him" is so strong as information is slowly shared. The reader feels how the author both completely blames herself but also him. The blame isn't split but entirely whole for each of them.

I was captivated by the specifics in the world created-- "baked sweet potatoes and guacamole" doesn't just offer description but offer insight on the type of person the "you" is. She is someone how eats sweet potato fries over regular. That is a concerned person, someone who has planned in advance. 

I would like to question the author why she decided to use the second person. I am a fan of the third person but wonder what she thought it would add to her story. I would also like to know why in such a short essay she spent so many words setting the stage with the anecdote on online communicating.