Normal, in our house, is like a blanket too short for a bed--sometimes it covers you just fine, and other times it leaves you cold and shaking; and worst of all, you never know which of the two it's going to be.
Jodi PicoultRead
I didn't want to see her because it would make me feel better. I came because without her, it's hard to remember who I am.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote expresses the idea that personal identity can be closely linked to our relationships with others.
In this quote, Jodi Picoult highlights how significant connections with others, particularly in relationships, play a crucial role in shaping our sense of self. The speaker emphasizes that the absence of this person creates a struggle in self-recognition, suggesting that love and companionship are not just about feeling good but are essential for understanding one's identity.
Themes
IdentityRelationshipsSelfLoveRemembering
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a discussion about the importance of friendships during personal growth.
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when you [lose someone], it feels like the hole in your gum when a tooth falls out. You can chew, you can eat, you have plenty of other teeth, but your tongue keeps going back to that empty place, where all nerves are still a little raw
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