You know the old adage: Plant an expectation, reap a disappointment.
Elizabeth GilbertRead
It is not we as individuals, then, who must bend uncomfortably around the institution of marriage; rather, it is the institution of marriage that has to bend uncomfortably around us.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Marriage should adapt to individual needs rather than individuals conforming to its rigid structure.
In this quote, Elizabeth Gilbert emphasizes the idea that the institution of marriage should be flexible and accommodating to the personal growth and individuality of its members. She argues that rather than individuals feeling pressured to fit into the traditional expectations of marriage, it is essential for the institution itself to evolve and bend to meet the diverse realities and complexities of modern relationships.
Themes
MarriageRelationshipsAdaptationIndividualityFlexibility
In practice
Example use cases
During a wedding ceremony, one might quote this to emphasize the importance of a modern understanding of marriage.
More from Elizabeth Gilbert
All quotes βDo not apologize for crying. Without this emotion, we are only robots.
Elizabeth GilbertRead
I had always been taught that the pursuit of happiness was my natural (even national) birthright. It is the emotional trademark of my culture to seek happiness. Not just any kind of happiness, either, but profound happiness, even soaring happiness. And what could possibly bring a person more soaring happiness than romantic love.
Elizabeth GilbertRead
When I tried this morning, after an hour or so of unhappy thinking, to dip back into my meditation, I took a new idea with me: compassion. I asked my heart if it could please infuse my soul with a more generous perspective on my mind's workings. Instead of thinking that I was a failure, could I perhaps accept that I am only a human being--and a normal one, at that?
Elizabeth GilbertRead
And when you sense a faint potentiality for happiness after such dark times you must grab onto the ankles of that happiness and not let go until it drags you face-first out of the dirt - this is not selfishness, but obligation. You were given life; it is your duty to find something beautiful within life no matter how slight.
Elizabeth GilbertRead
But never again use another person's body or emotions as a scratching post for your own unfulfilling yearnings.
Elizabeth GilbertRead
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