QuoteProject
Like so many women, I was living out the unlived life of my mother - so I wouldn't be her. But the price I paid was that I distanced myself internally.
Gloria Steinem
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote reflects on the struggle of living one's own life while avoiding the path of a parent, which can lead to emotional distance.

In this quote, Gloria Steinem explores the complex relationship many women have with their mothers and the generational expectations that can shape their identities. She conveys the idea that in an effort to reject her mother's life choices, she inadvertently created a disconnect within herself, highlighting the often painful balance between personal autonomy and familial influence.

Themes

MotherIdentityRelationshipsEmotionLivingDistancing

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be shared during a women's empowerment workshop to illustrate the importance of understanding familial influences.

More from Gloria Steinem

I have me brave women who are exploring the outer edge of human possibility, with no history to guide them, and with a courage to make themselves vulnerable that I find moving beyond words.
Gloria SteinemRead
If women are supposed to be less rational and more emotional at the beginning of our menstrual cycle when the female hormone is at its lowest level, then why isn't it logical to say that, in those few days, women behave the most like the way men behave all month long?
Gloria SteinemRead
Age brings a freedom. When you're young, you're much more subject to the idea of what feminine is or how you should look or how you should behave.
Gloria SteinemRead
All those chemicals that create empathy only work when you are in a room together.
Gloria SteinemRead
Dreaming, after all, is a form of planning.
Gloria SteinemRead
Obviously, there is much similarity among the challenges of transgender people and all women - from health care to harassment to discrimination in the workplace.
Gloria SteinemRead

Similar quotes

We'll just have to get along. That's what people do, you know? They just get along. And try to help each other.
Stephen KingRead
Sometimes it seems the harder you try to hold onto something or someone the more it wants to get away. You feel like some kind of criminal for having felt, for having wanted. For having wanted to be wanted. It confuses you because you think that your feelings were wrong and it makes you feel so small because it’s so hard to keep it inside when you let it out and it doesn’t come back. You’re left so alone that you can’t explain.
Henry RollinsRead
Such a wife as I want... must be young, handsome I lay most stress upon a good shape, sensible a little learning will do, well-bread, chaste, and tender. As to religion, a moderate stock will satisfy me. She must believe in God and hate a saint.
Alexander HamiltonRead
I have come to think that one of the most satisfying experiences I know — and also one of the most growth-promoting experiences for the other person — is just fully to appreciate this individual in the same way that I appreciate a sunset.
Carl RogersRead
Spend time with people who know how to use their days well. Just as iron sharpens iron, positive people will inspire you to be positive.
RihannaRead
Intimate, loving, and enduring relationships with our family and close friends will be among the sources of the deepest joy in our lives.
Clayton ChristensenRead

A little wisdom, now and then

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