Sick of My Small Heart - Gwen's Plot's

So Gwen comes off as really detached, cold, and brash, and that is because she absolutely is. When she was young her parents home schooled her, all but locked her in her room to keep her from being "distracted" by the genius she could, and would, be. So her social skills are all but nonexistent and she's not so great at the empathizing and feelings talks. Still she likes to be wanted and feel like she belongs. She never got that in schooling and has never felt like that with her parents, but when someone gets past her icy shell and just makes her feel like she means something she can soften to some extent. She's reliable and loyal, and if you're a friend she might even try to spare your feelings the next time she says something.

first friend -- magma buddies -- researching acquaintances -- good samaritans -- hometown pals -- others

This lack of social tact and extensive one on one interaction with people has also made Gwen fairly comfortable living how she does. As a result she's not one to beat around the bush when she does or doesn't like something. Being direct is a part of her comfort zone, and if she favors anything it's her comfort zone. Still, some will interpret this as aggressive apathy or an active disdain for people at large and deem her an ice queen. It's also likely she made some very real enemies while in college since, even though she was a good deal younger than many of the other students there, she still acted how she does with everyone, rubbing superiors and senior students the wrong way. Even earning herself the nickname "Darwin" as a testament to her unlikable, survival-of-the-fittest attitude. She personally dislikes the arrogant, the eccentric, the unfaithful, and the lazy above all else.

old bullies -- stubborn rivals -- consistent slackers -- fair weather anythings -- loudmouths -- others

Romance and physical intimacy are things Gwen understands perfectly well. While distant and somewhat detached from social norms and courtesies, she is not that separated. Attracted to women, she's had a handful of physical encounters but never anything that's lasted very long. She's a partner who's lacking in the listening department, and one who both lacks empathy and a willingness to share information about herself. She's a two-way conversation stopper, and this inability to build an emotional connection leaves many relationships to crack and fall apart before long. Still, this heart is aching for attention, and once she builds a rapport and good deal of comfort with someone it'll be an easy thing to claim.

on again off again -- friends with benefits -- one night stands -- almost endgame -- endgame -- others