Most men fear getting laughed at or humiliated by a romantic prospect while most women fear rape and death.
Gavin De BeckerRead
Persistence only proves persistence-it does not prove love. The fact that a romantic pursuer is relentless doesn't mean you are special-it means he is troubled.
Interpretation
Persistence in love does not equate to genuine affection; it may indicate deeper issues in the pursuer. This highlights the importance of understanding the motives behind romantic actions.
Gavin De Becker's quote suggests that while persistence in romantic pursuits may appear to signify deep affection, it is crucial to recognize that relentless pursuit can actually stem from personal troubles rather than genuine love. This serves as a cautionary reminder that being pursued does not inherently reflect one's value or specialness, but rather points to the emotional state of the pursuer.
In practice
This quote can be shared during a discussion about healthy relationships.
Most men fear getting laughed at or humiliated by a romantic prospect while most women fear rape and death.
It is understandable that the perspectives of men and women on safety are so different - men and women live in different worlds. [...] At core, men are afraid women will laugh at them, while at core, women are afraid men will kill them.
Love gives naught but itself and takes naught but from itself.
If someone wants to say 'I love you' in a straight play, they say it, and then it's the other person's turn to talk. But in a song, you can sing about it for another three minutes. The musical form has that unique opportunity to express at length what joy really feels like.
In the dime stores and bus stations People talk of situations Read books, repeat quotations Draw conclusions on the wall Some speak of the future My love she speaks softly She knows there’s no success like failure And that failure’s no success at all -Bob Dylan, “Love Minus Zero / No Limit” (1965)
He had been my almost. My might-have-been. I was afraid of what I wanted most - His kiss. Still, I collected kiss stories. -Susie Salmon
Bitterness imprisons life; love releases it. Bitterness paralyzes life; love empowers it. Bitterness sours life; love sweetens it. Bitterness sickens life; love heals it. Bitterness blinds life; love anoints its eyes.
ROXANE: Live, for I love you! CYRANO: No, In fairy tales When to the ill-starred Prince the lady says 'I love you!' all his ugliness fades fast-- But I remain the same, up to the last! ROXANE: I have marred your life--I, I! CYRANO: You blessed my life! Never on me had rested woman's love. My mother even could not find me fair: I had no sister; and, when grown a man, I feared the mistress who would mock at me. But I have had your friendship--grace to you A woman's charm has passed across my path.
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