Ma's still nodding. "You're the one who matters, though. Just you." I shake my head till it's wobbling because there's no just me.
Emma DonoghueRead
...real loneliness is having no one to miss. Think yourself lucky you've known something worth missing.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True loneliness stems from not having someone meaningful in your life, and it is a blessing to have loved ones worth missing.
This quote highlights the significance of relationships in our lives, suggesting that loneliness is not merely the absence of company, but rather the lack of meaningful connections. It encourages us to view our experiences of missing someone cherished as a reminder of the valuable bonds weβve formed, ultimately framing them as a source of luck rather than sadness.
Themes
LonelinessRelationshipsLoveMissingConnection
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech on the importance of friendships, this quote can highlight how vital they are in enriching our lives.
More from Emma Donoghue
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At the door, there was one of those moment when two people realize that they like each other more than they know each other. This is nicer than the opposite situation, but more awkward. You try to remember the protocol for touching. You hate to gush, or presume to much, yet you are unwilling to let the moment pass without without some gesture
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You cannot predict literary success; the only way you can possibly aim for it is to do your thing and do it well.
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Books are the air I breathe, so I don't notice the seasons.
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Writing stories is my way of scratching that itch: my escape from the claustrophobia of individuality. It lets me, at least for a while, live more than one life, walk more than one path. Reading, of course, can do the same.
Emma DonoghueRead
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