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Don't flatter yourselves that friendship authorizes you to say disagreeable things to your intimates. On the contrary, the nearer you come into relation with a person, the more necessary do tact and courtesy become.
Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.
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Interpretation

What this quote means

True friendship requires kindness and consideration, even when you disagree.

This quote emphasizes that as friendships deepen, the expectation for tact and courtesy increases. While friends might feel comfortable expressing their thoughts freely, it is crucial to maintain respect and kindness in communication, ensuring that personal feelings do not harm the friendship.

Themes

FriendshipTactCourtesyRelationshipsCommunication

In practice

Example use cases

Using this quote in a speech about the importance of kindness in friendships.

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Quote by Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. | QuoteProject