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About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker reflects on how being in love improved their behavior, but now that the feeling is gone, they return to their ordinary self.
In plain terms
Love made the speaker act better, but now they are just themselves again.
What can you take from it?
Love can change behavior temporarily.

Where it applies

  • ending a relationship
  • looking back on a romance
  • self-assessment

Putting it to work

  • evaluating personal growth
  • writing about past love
  • accepting change

Questions to consider

  • Did a relationship change how you acted?
  • Is behavior better only for love?

Another view

It suggests love is the only reason to behave well.

More from A. E. Housman

  1. His folly has not fellow Beneath the blue of day That gives to man or woman His heart and soul away.

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  2. To-day, the road all runners come, Shoulder-high, we bring you home, And set you at your threshold down, Townsman of a stiller town.

    Permalink to quote #18
  3. When I was one-and-twenty I heard him say again, 'The heart out of the bosom Was never given in vain; 'Tis paid with sighs a plenty And sold for endless rue.' …

    Permalink to quote #15

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