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About this quote

What does it mean?
Esther notices a young girl speaking about a boy as if he were her own son.
In plain terms
A girl talks about a boy possessively as if they share his future.
What can you take from it?
People often project their own hopes onto others children or loved ones.

Where it applies

  • family gatherings
  • discussing children
  • social observation

Putting it to work

  • observe speech patterns
  • recognize projection

Questions to consider

  • What makes someone feel possessive?
  • How do we talk about other people's children?

Another view

It assumes the girl intends possessiveness rather than simple care.

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