Hard Limits

Define limits.

Seriously, try to explain it. They are a boundaries, restrictions... kind of a negative tone towards those words huh? Limits are what stop us from something we've already engaged in - the most we can take. Coincidently, the most we can give as well. So what are your limits? Do we ever truly know them or do we have to keep pushing ourselves out of comfort zones to become more familiar?

In terms of 50 Shades of Grey , comfort zones have been disintegrating in every chapter for both characters. More so emotionally than sexually - but don't get me wrong, sexual boundaries are collapsing like bursted dams.

But that's besides the point.

What I mean to say is that the sentimental connect for these two characters is realistic and palpable. Apart from the S&M kinky stuff that I'm sure most of us do not engage in, the emotional limits can be seen in everyday life around us; and I commend E.L James for including these life aspects into a story that would otherwise be out of touch with the rest of society.

Ana's reluctance to speak her mind to Christian in person is relatable, and her enhanced confidence in communication through email is also true. Especially in a world where technological advances have made intimate face to face communication dwindle. Which is sad to say none the less.  When did it become "okay" for a couple to express romantic/sexual feelings via email but not in person?  Likewise, Ana's keenness to over-analyze every comment from Christian is genuine (my friends and I do this ALL the time), while it seems evident enough that he means exactly what he says. Her inquiry into Christian's thoughts establish the fact that rational minds do not exists in romantic relationships.

ERGO FOOLS IN LOVE! 

Still, if to know ourselves, is to be aware of our capabilities; what we can and cannot do and limits only exist to be broken, do we ever truly know ourselves? Or maybe, life is an extended journey of self exploration. Ana Steele has shattered many personal limits so far, I wonder if in the next 90 pages she will  acknowledge she is not the same person she was at the beginning of this story, and her limits are ever changing - maybe one day caning will be a soft limit for her (Haha). She has already succumbed to spanking, whipping, bondage and is quite possibly reconsidering gagging. She has also sacrificed her great want for more of a romantic relationship with Christian- the hearts and flowers- for one based on sexual interactions and "legal" agreements.

Does she realize she has already changed?