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I tried to keep myself away from him by using con words like "fidelity" and "adultery", by telling myself that he would interfere with my work, that I had him I'd be too happy to write. I tried to tell myself I was hurting Bennett, hurting myself, making a spectacle of myself. I was. But nothing helped. I was possessed. The minute he walked into a room and smiled at me, I was a goner.
Erica Jong
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The speaker struggles with their overwhelming attraction to someone despite various rationalizations to avoid it.

In this quote, the speaker expresses the internal conflict of trying to resist deep feelings of love and desire for someone. Despite attempts to convince themselves that pursuing this connection would be detrimental to their work and personal life, they find themselves unable to control their emotions, illustrating the powerful and often irrational nature of love.

Themes

LoveAttractionDesireEmotionConflict

In practice

Example use cases

This quote could be shared in a discussion about the complexities of love and relationships.

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My reaction to porno films is as follows: After the first ten minutes, I want to go home and screw. After the first twenty minutes, I never want to screw again as long as I live.
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Do you want me to tell you something really subversive? Love is everything it's cracked up to be. That's why people are so cynical about it. It really is worth fighting for, being brave for, risking everything for. And the trouble is, if you don't risk anything, you risk even more.
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I believe that women should live for love, for motherhood and for intellect, and I believe we shouldn't have to choose. And I believe that's always been difficult for women, to express themselves intellectually, maternally, and passionately.
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