Skip to content
quotesby

About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker observes someone who is fearful and guarded, unable to let their defenses down despite potential connection.
In plain terms
You look cold and afraid to be nice, even though someone wants to help you open up.
What can you take from it?
Fear often blocks us from letting others in.

Where it applies

  • intimate conversations
  • therapy
  • friendships

Putting it to work

  • building trust
  • opening up
  • supporting others

Questions to consider

  • Why do we guard our feelings?
  • How do you help someone open up?

Another view

It places the burden of change on the guarded person.

More from Harry Chapin

  1. Oh, if a man tried To take his time on earth And prove before he died What one man's life could be worth, I wonder what would happen to this world.

    Permalink to quote #42
  2. If you try to look But you don't touch Then you won't touch But you'll never feel And if you don't feel You'll never cry And if you don't cry Then you'll never…

    Permalink to quote #44
  3. If we say that no one's out there And we say we're goin' nowhere And we avoid the question Is this all that it means?

    Permalink to quote #41

Related quotes

  1. People come up to me... concerned... that I'll reproduce.

    Emo PhilipsEmo Philips quote #6
  2. The best proof of love is trust.

    Dr. Joyce BrothersDr. Joyce Brothers quote #10
  3. 'You look like a girl with a secret,' Matt said. 'I think it must be the smile.' She moved closer to him, which was very close, and lowered her voice. 'Can you…

    Larry NivenLarry Niven quote #13