we both fitted. If our corners were not rubbed off they were at least pulled in. But deep in us both was something that made us require more for happiness. I didn't know what I wanted
Interpretation
This quote illustrates the complexity of relationships and the innate desire for fulfillment beyond mere compatibility.
In this quote, F. Scott Fitzgerald expresses the idea that while two people may fit well together in a relationship, there remains a deeper yearning for happiness that goes beyond just being a good match. It reflects on the notion that true happiness is not merely found in compatibility, but in a shared understanding of one's desires and aspirations. The 'corners rubbed off' suggests the compromises we make in relationships, highlighting the tension between contentment and the quest for deeper fulfillment.
In practice
This quote can be used in a relationship seminar to discuss the search for deeper fulfillment in partnerships.
Don't be so anxious about it,' she laughed. 'I'm not used to being loved. I wouldn't know what to do; I never got the trick of it.' She looked down at him, shy and fatigued. 'So here we are. I told you years ago that I had the makings of Cinderella.' He took her hand; she drew it back instinctively and then replaced it in his. 'Beg your pardon. Not even used to being touched. But I'm not afraid of you, if you stay quiet and don't move suddenly.
The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in mind at the same time and still retain the ability to function.
It was about then [1920] that I wrote a line which certain people will not let me forget: "She was a faded but still lovely woman of twenty-seven."
The words seemed to bite physically into Gatsby.
But you can love more than just one person, can't you?
A sudden gust of rain blew over them and then another - as if small liquid clouds were bouncing along the land. Lightning entered the sea far off and the air blew full of crackling thunder. The table cloths blew around the pillars. They blew and blew and blew. The flags twisted around the red chairs like live things, the banners were ragged, the corners of the table tore off through the burbling billowing ends of the cloths.
Sex is full of lies. The body tries to tell the truth. But, it's usually too battered with rules to be heard, and bound with pretenses so it can hardly move. We cripple ourselves with lies.
There is an Italian proverb which saith, From my enemy let me defend myself; but from a pretensed friend Lord deliver me
They who go Feel not the pain of parting; it is they Who stay behind that suffer.
Canada and the United States have reached the point where we no longer think of each other as 'foreign' countries. We think of each other as friends, as peaceful and cooperative neighbors on a spacious and fruitful continent.
I leave CNN with the utmost respect, love and admiration for the company and everyone who works here. This has been my family and shared endeavor for the past 27 years, and I am forever grateful and proud of all that we have accomplished.
One of the things I discover a lot in marriage counseling is the husband or wife trying to get their spiritual thirst quenched by their partner; I think that's a real common mistake that we make.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.