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About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker asserts that everyone knows the truth about a relationship, despite attempts at secrecy.
In plain terms
Everyone knows the truth about your secret affairs.
What can you take from it?
Secrecy is often an illusion.

Where it applies

  • gossip circles
  • marriage counseling
  • public scrutiny

Putting it to work

  • be transparent
  • accept that secrets leak

Questions to consider

  • How much do others really know about you?
  • Is privacy possible in a connected world?

Another view

Some privacy is necessary for healthy relationships.

More from Leonard Cohen

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  3. So the great affair is over/ but whoever would have guessed/ it would leave us all so vacant/ and so deeply unimpressed/ It's like our visit to the moon/ or to…

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