Growing up, I was always really shy about my body.

You might not have more courage, but you should be ashamed to show less.

... as an adolescent ... from the world around me, I learned that must I hide all signs that I menstruated or face deep, crushing shame.

Of course I was afraid. But I had learned to fear other things more: being despised, whittled down one small piece of myself at a time, smirked at and taken advantage of. I put my chin up and said, as cold as I could be in answer, “And what will you give me in return?

Ashamed to decline the challenge, yet fearing to accept it.

I don't want to give the impression that because of gender, I was oppressed. I was, but then I lent myself to it. I regret it, as it was a disservice to women. But I was too unaware for too long.

I offered up my innocence and got repaid with scorn

To conceal resentment against a person, and appear friendly with him; — Tso Ch'iu-ming was ashamed of such conduct.

My ignorance was inexcusable, and it made me ashamed.

When you give, therefore, take to yourself no credit for generosity, unless you deny yourself something in order that you may give.

I do feel ashamed of having participated to the slightest even as a tool in those dark days. But I was obliged to serve the state to which I had taken an oath. It was a tragic fate.

I was ashamed of myself when I realised life was a costume party and I attended with my real face

Do not feel ashamed if the amount of charity is small because to refuse the needy is an act of greater shame.

"I felt ashamed."

"But of what? Psyche, they hadn't stripped you naked or anything?"

"No, no, Maia. Ashamed of looking like a mortal — of being a mortal."

"But how could you help that?"

"Don't you think the things people are most ashamed of are things they can't help?"