Come here

It's always interesting to compare Zach and Jeanne. Like Shaun and Gabe, a strong bond of love connects the two radically different siblings. Perhaps no where are the contrasts between Zach and his sister more apparent than in their relationships with their respective lovers.

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What is intimacy? I'm (just) realizing that the more sexually explicit our culture becomes, the more disconnected we are from each other - and ourselves. Yet, deep inside, there's an intense longing to relate and connect. Whether it be on a spiritual, emotional, mental or physical level. Dr. Barton Goldsmith's blog, Emotional Fitness offers a refreshing take on the human desire for Intimacy. All too often, I see connection being confused with consumption (another trend I've been late in discovering). We try to fill the void within instead of nurturing the bonds without. There's a desperate need to silence the "static" disrupting the frequency of our inner voice and abandon the "scripts" constricting individuality. I've found, however, that the effort this process entails is so exhausting that I can't judge those who simply resign themselves to whatever society and the mass-media hand out. Yet the stakes are so high and the risks so fundamental. What's worse is seeing how a devalued sense of self attracts second-hand treatment from others and a cast-off existence. Second-hand materials are great (not to mention, "green") and cast-off items are now considered "finds" but human life is not merchandise assembled on a conveyer belt and the interpersonal experience is not a product to be manufactured.

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Shaun says to Zach as he offers him a hug: "Come here."
Zach is a caring individual who has been fortunate enough to find an equally caring soul in Shaun. Shaun's response to Zach comes from their deepening intimacy.

Jeanne says to Alan as they loudly make out: "Come here."
This vividly illustrates that Jeanne and Alan are more like two animals in a cage than real lovers. Their relationship is based on physical appetites, not personal connection. Keeping Alan probably means Jeanne gets to hold on to the fairytale fantasy of being rescued by a man. This fantasy allows her to escape the reality of being a mother and deny the fact that she is no longer a child.