QuoteProject
We tried so hard. We were always trying to help each other. But not because we were helpless. He needed to get things for me, just as I needed to get things for him. It gave us purpose. Sometimes I would ask him for something that I did not even want, just to let him get it for me. We spent our days trying to help each other help each other. I would get his slippers. He would make my tea. I would turn up the heat so he could turn up the air conditioner so I could turn up the heat.
Jonathan Safran Foer
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote emphasizes the mutual support and purpose in a relationship, highlighting that helping each other can foster connection and meaning.

In this quote, Jonathan Safran Foer describes a deep interpersonal relationship where both individuals find purpose in constantly supporting one another. The seemingly small acts of kindness, such as fetching slippers or making tea, illustrate how each person contributes to the other's well-being, creating a cycle of giving and receiving that strengthens their bond. It showcases the beauty of love and collaboration between two people who are invested in each other's happiness.

Themes

SupportHelpRelationshipsPurposeKindness

In practice

Example use cases

In a wedding speech, one might include this quote to illustrate the essence of partnership.

More from Jonathan Safran Foer

We burned with love for ourselves, all of us, starters of the fire we suffered- our love was the affliction for which only our love was the cure.
Jonathan Safran FoerRead
Memory was supposed to fill the time, but it made time a hole to be filled. Each second was two hundred yards, to be walked, crawled. You couldn't see the next hour, it was so far in the distance. Tomorrow was over the horizon, and would take an entire day to reach.
Jonathan Safran FoerRead
She was not crying Which surprised me very much But I understand now That she had found places For her melancholy That were behind more masks Than only her eyes
Jonathan Safran FoerRead
What do babies dream of? She must be dreaming of the before-life, just as I dream of the afterlife.
Jonathan Safran FoerRead
A few weeks after the worst day, I started writing lots of letters. I don't know why, but it was one of the only things that made my boots lighter.
Jonathan Safran FoerRead
What is being awake if not interpreting our dreams, or dreaming if not interpreting our wake?
Jonathan Safran FoerRead

Similar quotes

she knew she could help him best by being silent and by being near
John SteinbeckRead
Remember, loving them is the powerful foundation for influencing those you want to help. ... As a companion to that love, trust them. In some cases it may seem difficult to trust, but find some way to trust them. The children of Father in Heaven can do amazing things when they feel trusted. Every child of God in mortality chose the Savior’s plan. Trust that given the opportunity, they will do so again.
Richard G. ScottRead
I'm never going to get married." "You're crazy." Buddy brightened. "You'll change your mind." "No. My mind's made up.
Sylvia PlathRead
We need Grace and forgiveness.
Pope Benedict XviRead
What organized dating sites fail to understand is that the people are far more interesting in what they don't say about themselves.
Nassim Nicholas TalebRead
Marriage is a lot like the army, everyone complains, but you'd be surprise at the large number that re-enlist.
James GarnerRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.

Quote by Jonathan Safran Foer | QuoteProject