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About this quote

What does it mean?
It advises couples to act comfortably strange together yet maintain polite distance in public.
In plain terms
Act comfortable with your partner like old friends, but polite like strangers.
What can you take from it?
Balance intimacy with social etiquette in marriage.

Where it applies

  • marital advice
  • social conduct

Putting it to work

  • relationship guidance
  • social navigation

Questions to consider

  • How much distance is healthy in love?
  • Can manners coexist with intimacy?

Another view

It suggests maintaining a degree of artificiality in relationships.

More from William Congreve

  1. I nauseate walking; 'tis a country diversion, I loathe the country.

    Permalink to quote #28
  2. Thou art a retailer of phrases, and dost deal in remnants of remnants.

    Permalink to quote #30
  3. If there's delight in love, 'tis when I see That heart which others bleed for, bleed for me.

    Permalink to quote #27

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