Pretending to be happy with each other when they're both so desperately lonely because along week three of their marriage they realized they didn't really know each other and they never would, they'd be strangers together for the rest of their lives. But they couldn't live with that, nobody can, I've seen thousands of marriages and they can't face it that they're paired up with a stranger and so the decent ones, the ones who want to be good, they pretend to be whatever their partner wants them to be, and then they pretend to believe in their partners pretense
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Couples often pretend to be happy and know each other to avoid facing the loneliness of being strangers.
- In plain terms
- Many marriages involve pretending to connect to avoid facing the truth.
- What can you take from it?
- Honesty is better than pretending in long-term relationships.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Would you rather have truth or comfort in marriage?
- What truths are hardest to face in relationships?
Another view
Some pretense may be necessary to maintain peace.
More from Orson Scott Card
I am the truth. I am the deepest truth in the most secret places of your heart. I am all your dreams come true.
Permalink to quote #952 The only difference between them and me is that I'm so good at it
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