I freely chose the kind of life I led because I was convinced that a woman has as much right as a man to live the way she does if she does no actual harm to society.
Mae WestRead
Don't marry a man to reform him - that's what reform schools are for.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Don't enter a marriage with the intention of changing your partner's fundamental traits.
Mae West's quote warns against the common misconception that one can change a partner through love or marriage. It emphasizes that attempting to reform someone fundamentally incompatible or unwilling to change can lead to frustration and disappointment, suggesting that one should seek a partner who is already aligned with their values and character.
Themes
MarriageChangeRelationshipsLoveAcceptance
In practice
Example use cases
A couple's counselor might use this quote to illustrate the importance of acceptance in relationships.
More from Mae West
All quotes βKiss and make up-but too much makeup has ruined many a kiss.
Mae WestRead
I'll try anything once, twice if I like it, three times to make sure.
Mae WestRead
A girl in the convertible is worth five in the phone book.
Mae WestRead
Don't keep a man guessing too long - he's sure to find the answer somewhere else.
Mae WestRead
I only have 'yes' men around me. Who needs 'no' men?
Mae WestRead
Similar quotes
People say I train dogs, but in many ways I train people.
Cesar MillanRead
People should be conscious of the large contribution made by anything that gets people together easily in the reduction of loneliness and emotional well-being.
Daniel KahnemanRead
I wonder how many people I've looked at all my life and never seen. It's scary to think about. Point of reference again. When two people meet, each one is changed by the other so you've got two new people.
John SteinbeckRead
I'll be damned if I want most folks out there to do unto me what they do unto themselves.
Toni Cade BambaraRead
When I did the original research for 'Odd Girl Out,' I asked every bullied girl I interviewed to tell me what she needed most from her family. The answer truly surprised me. It wasn't having the best solutions, calling the school, or trying to act like everything was okay. It was empathy.
Rachel SimmonsRead
She was not accustomed to taste the joys of solitude except in company.
Edith WhartonRead