Oliver Frances

  In this fascinating and unconventional glimpse into the mind of a genius, we meet an artist whose life is a masterpiece of surrealism. Standing on his legs, he forms arcades; his flamboyant mustache the only thing protruding from his personage. He is Salvador, a self-proclaimed "Enfant Terrible" in the world of art. His "venus," the beautiful Amanda, sits on a corduroy couch, captivated by his every move. Through a series of bizarre and poetic pronouncements, Salvador reveals a mind in constant rebellion against sterility and automation. He speaks of his deceased brother as a first version of himself, and muses on the nature of their resemblance. He laments the laziness and lack of technique in modern art, and dons a wig of long black hair to make a point. Meanwhile, Amanda is puzzled by his words and deeds. She struggles to reconcile his deep connection with her with the reality of his marriage to his real wife. This blurb captures the intricate and often contrad...

  The initial rush of a new relationship, often called the   "honeymoon phase" or "limerence"   by psychologists, is a powerful, chemically induced state. Driven by a surge of dopamine, oxytocin, and other neurochemicals, it floods us with euphoria and intense, almost obsessive, attraction. It's during this intoxicating period that we often wear rose-tinted glasses, overlooking potential issues and seeing only an idealized version of our partner. But inevitably, the veil drops. The chemical haze clears, and we're left face-to-face with our partner's authentic self, flaws and all. This stark revelation leads to a deeply uncomfortable question: should you really endure a relationship with someone exhibiting narcissistic or even psychopathic traits, simply for the sake of exceptional sexual intimacy? The Allure and the Aftermath I'll readily admit, in some past relationships, the  sexual chemistry was undeniably off the charts . The connection in the be...