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About this quote

What does it mean?
Relationships can fade so deeply the person feels lost.
In plain terms
He felt like she was gone even if she was there.
What can you take from it?
Emotional distance feels like loss.

Where it applies

  • breakups
  • estrangement
  • memory

Putting it to work

  • recognizing drift
  • accepting change

Questions to consider

  • When does presence fade?
  • Can you lose someone living?

Another view

Sometimes people physically leave before emotionally.

More from Milan Kundera

  1. Pain doesn't listen to reason, it has it's own reason, which is not reasonable.

    Permalink to quote #51
  2. As you live out your desolation, you can be either unhappy or happy. Having that choice is what constitutes your freedom.

    Permalink to quote #53
  3. No love can survive muteness.

    Permalink to quote #50

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