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The longest absence is less perilous to love than the terrible trials of incessant proximity.
Edna St. Vincent Millay
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Being apart can be less damaging to love than the strain of constant togetherness.

This quote suggests that while physical absence may create longing, the challenges and tensions of being constantly close to someone can lead to greater difficulties in a relationship. It reflects the idea that love needs space to flourish and that relentless proximity can sometimes hinder rather than help the bond between people.

Themes

LoveAbsenceProximityRelationshipChallenges

In practice

Example use cases

Using this quote in a romantic letter to express the importance of space.

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A Poem from Edna St. Vincent Millay: Grown-up Was it for this I uttered prayers, And sobbed and cursed and kicked the stairs, That now, domestic as a plate, I should retire at half-past eight?
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Listen, children: Your father is dead. From his old coats I'll make you little jackets; I'll make you little trousers From his old pants. There'll be in his pockets Things he used to put there, Keys and pennies Covered with tobacco; Dan shall have the pennies To save in his bank; Anne shall have the keys To make a pretty noise with. Life must go on, Though good men die; Anne, eat your breakfast; Dan, take your medicine; Life must go on; I forget just why.
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I would I were alive again To kiss the fingers of the rain, To drink into my eyes the shine Of every slanting silver line, To catch the freshened, fragrant breeze From drenched and dripping apple-trees. For soon the shower will be done, And then the broad face of the sun Will laugh above the rain-soaked earth Until the world with answering mirth Shakes joyously, and each round drop Rolls twinkling, from its grass-blade top.
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I drank at every vine, the last was like the first. I came upon no wine so wonderful as thirst.
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