You know the old adage: Plant an expectation, reap a disappointment.
Elizabeth GilbertRead
There's a part of me which has always wanted to hear a man say, "Let me take care of you forever," and I have never heard it spoken before. Over the last few years, I'd given up looking for that person, learned how to say this heartening sentence to myself, especially in times of fear. But to hear it from someone else now, from someone who is speaking sincerely.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects a deep desire for unconditional love and support from a partner.
This quote expresses a longing for a profound emotional connection where one partner offers to take on the responsibility of care and support for the other. Elizabeth Gilbert illustrates the journey of self-acceptance where she learned to provide that comfort to herself in difficult times, yet still yearns for a sincere affirmation from another. It highlights both the importance of self-love and the beauty found in reciprocal love from others.
Themes
LoveCareSelf-LoveEmotional ConnectionPartnershipLonging
In practice
Example use cases
In a heartfelt conversation about relationships, I might share this quote to emphasize the importance of mutual support.
More from Elizabeth Gilbert
All quotes →Do not apologize for crying. Without this emotion, we are only robots.
Elizabeth GilbertRead
I had always been taught that the pursuit of happiness was my natural (even national) birthright. It is the emotional trademark of my culture to seek happiness. Not just any kind of happiness, either, but profound happiness, even soaring happiness. And what could possibly bring a person more soaring happiness than romantic love.
Elizabeth GilbertRead
When I tried this morning, after an hour or so of unhappy thinking, to dip back into my meditation, I took a new idea with me: compassion. I asked my heart if it could please infuse my soul with a more generous perspective on my mind's workings. Instead of thinking that I was a failure, could I perhaps accept that I am only a human being--and a normal one, at that?
Elizabeth GilbertRead
And when you sense a faint potentiality for happiness after such dark times you must grab onto the ankles of that happiness and not let go until it drags you face-first out of the dirt - this is not selfishness, but obligation. You were given life; it is your duty to find something beautiful within life no matter how slight.
Elizabeth GilbertRead
But never again use another person's body or emotions as a scratching post for your own unfulfilling yearnings.
Elizabeth GilbertRead
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