It's true. Some kinds of conversations make people squirm. Sometimes because they're liable to bring one or both of us too close to tears. Sometimes because they're liable to remind us of that thing we keep avoiding and don't want to think about.

Women and power is a combination that triggers anxiety nearly everywhere. And a woman who is ready and willing to use words like truth and death--better believe she's going to make folks clutch at their pearls. Including men.

You don't scare me, though. At least, not in any way that makes me want to stay away or tune you out. Yes, you're serious as a heart attack, and seriously is how you should be taken. But the old witch in the woods can't frighten those of us who are prepared to be transformed.