The one ironclad rule is that I have to try. I have to walk into my writing room and pick up my pen every weekday morning
Anne TylerRead
She saw herself riding in the passenger seat, Sam behind the wheel. Like two of those little peg people in a toy car. Husband peg, wife peg, side by side. Facing the road and not looking at each other; for why would they need to, really, having gone beyond the visible surface long ago. No hope of admiring gazes anymore, no chance of unremitting adoration. Nothing left to show but their plain, true, homely, interior selves, which were actually much richer anyhow.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on the deep connection between a couple that transcends superficial admiration.
In this quote, Anne Tyler explores the idea of long-term relationships where the initial excitement and admiration have faded, leaving a profound understanding and appreciation of each other's true selves. It emphasizes that the richness of a relationship lies in the familiarity and acceptance of one another's inner lives, rather than in outward displays of affection or romantic gestures.
Themes
RelationshipsLoveUnderstandingIntimacyPartnership
In practice
Example use cases
This quote is perfect for discussing the depth of companionship during a relationship seminar.
More from Anne Tyler
All quotes →I don't know what takes more courage: surviving a lifelong endurance test because you once made a promise or breaking free, disrupting all your world.
Anne TylerRead
I just want to be told a story, and I want to believe I'm living that story, and I don't give a thought to influences or method or any other writerly concerns
Anne TylerRead
I do write long, long character notes - family background, history, details of appearance - much more than will ever appear in the novel. I think this is what lifts a book from that early calculated, artificial stage.
Anne TylerRead
It seems to me that since I've had children, I've grown richer and deeper. They may have slowed down my writing for a while, but when I did write, I had more of a self to speak from.
Anne TylerRead
And she thought what a clean, simple life she would have led if it weren't for love.
Anne TylerRead
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