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About this quote

What does it mean?
Waugh suggests that fathers and sons might get along best when they maintain the polite distance of hosts and guests.
In plain terms
Fathers and sons are happiest when they treat each other like guests.
What can you take from it?
Keeping a polite distance can improve family relationships.

Where it applies

  • family gatherings
  • parenting
  • conflict resolution

Putting it to work

  • respect space
  • be polite
  • set boundaries

Questions to consider

  • Is distance healthy in family?
  • How do we balance closeness and respect?

Another view

This approach might prevent deeper emotional connection in family bonds.

More from Evelyn Waugh

  1. One forgets words as one forgets names. One's vocabulary needs constant fertilizing or it will die.

    Permalink to quote #65
  2. Pray always for all the learned, the oblique, the delicate. Let them not be quite forgotten at the throne of God when the simple come into their kingdom.

    Permalink to quote #67
  3. Of children as of procreation- the pleasure momentary, the posture ridiculous, the expense damnable.

    Permalink to quote #64

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