We are slow to believe that which if believed would hurt our feelings.
OvidRead
Thus I am not able to exist either with you or without you; and I seem not to know my own wishes.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote expresses a deep emotional conflict and dependency on someone else.
In this quote, Ovid captures the paradox of love where one feels incomplete without their beloved, yet may also struggle with their own desires and identity. This highlights the complex and often tumultuous emotions that arise in romantic relationships, where attachment can lead to confusion about one's own wishes and sense of self.
Themes
LoveDependencyIdentityEmotionsRelationships
In practice
Example use cases
During a wedding speech to emphasize the depth of love between the couple.
More from Ovid
All quotes βAll things human hang by a slender thread; and that which seemed to stand strong suddenly falls and sinks in ruins.
OvidRead
A new idea is delicate. It can be killed by a sneer or a yawn; it can be stabbed to death by a quip and worried to death by a frown on the right man's brow.
OvidRead
Fas est ab hoste doceri._x000D_ One should learn even from one's enemies.
OvidRead
Be patient and tough; someday this pain will be useful to you.
OvidRead
The end doesn't justify the means.
OvidRead
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A kiss may not be the truth, but it is what we wish were true.
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YOU are valuable and rare and worthy of love.
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You could hold me and I could hold you. And it would be so peaceful. Completely peaceful. Like the feeling of sleep, but awake in it together.
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Within my heart is lurking suspicion, and base fear, and shame and hate; but above all, tyrannous love sits throned, crowned with her graces, silent and in tears.
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I hope I haven't given you the impression that I consider kissing intrinsically irrational.
F. Scott FitzgeraldRead