Ma's still nodding. "You're the one who matters, though. Just you." I shake my head till it's wobbling because there's no just me.
At the door, there was one of those moment when two people realize that they like each other more than they know each other. This is nicer than the opposite situation, but more awkward. You try to remember the protocol for touching. You hate to gush, or presume to much, yet you are unwilling to let the moment pass without without some gesture
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects the awkward yet exciting moment when two people feel a connection that surpasses their familiarity with each other.
In this quote by Emma Donoghue, she captures the delicate and often awkward experience of two individuals who find themselves attracted to one another, despite not knowing each other well. It highlights the tension of wanting to connect and express feelings while navigating the uncertainties of social norms and the fear of overstepping boundaries. This moment signifies the potential for deeper intimacy, but also the hesitation that comes from the lack of a shared history.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a speech about the beauty of unexpected romantic moments.
More from Emma Donoghue
All quotes →Ah yes, the paradox of publicity is that even as we do it, we know it's killing off the chance of another reader happening across our book in the ideal state of innocence.
You cannot predict literary success; the only way you can possibly aim for it is to do your thing and do it well.
Books are the air I breathe, so I don't notice the seasons.
Writing stories is my way of scratching that itch: my escape from the claustrophobia of individuality. It lets me, at least for a while, live more than one life, walk more than one path. Reading, of course, can do the same.
...real loneliness is having no one to miss. Think yourself lucky you've known something worth missing.
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The task of organizing human happiness needs the active cooperation of man and woman: it cannot be relegated to one half of the world.
Empathic listening is so powerful because it gives you accurate data to work with. Instead of projecting your own autobiography and assuming thoughts, feelings, motives and interpretation, you're dealing with the reality inside another person's head and heart. You're listening to understand. You're focused on receiving the deep communication of another human soul.
I like being married. It's an institution that I like.
One theory says that if you treat people well, you're more likely to encourage them to do what you want, making all the effort pay off. Do this, get that. Another one, which I prefer, is that you might consider treating people with kindness merely because you can. _x000D_ _x000D_ Regardless of what they choose to do in response, this is what you choose to do. Because you can.
Strange how people who suffer together have stronger connections than those who are most content.
...though she had not had the strength to shake off the spell that bound her to him she had lost all spontaneity of feeling, and seemed to herself to be passively awaiting a fate she could not avert.