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Love is nothing out of the ordinary, even if we think it…

“Love is nothing out of the ordinary, even if we think it is; even if we idealise it, celebrate it in poetry, sentimentalise it in coy valentines. Love happens to just about everyone; it is like measles or the diseases of childhood; it is as predictable as the losing of milk teeth, or the breaking…” quote by Alexander McCall Smith
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““Love is nothing out of the ordinary, even if we think it is; even if we idealise it, celebrate it in poetry, sentimentalise it in coy valentines. Love happens to just about everyone; it is like measles or the diseases of childhood; it is as predictable as the losing of milk teeth, or the breaking of a boy's voice.””

Alexander McCall Smith

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Love is portrayed as a common, almost inevitable human experience, comparable to childhood illnesses and natural milestones.

In simple terms: Love is ordinary and inevitable.

Key Takeaway

Accept love’s normalcy and don’t over‑idealize it.

Themes

relationships human nature expectations

Mood

reflective warm

Type

philosophical observational

When to use this quote

  • dating
  • marriage
  • friendship
  • family gatherings

Key Concepts

commonality idealization normalization

Questions to Reflect On

  • Do you idealize love?
  • How does seeing love as ordinary affect your relationships?
A Different Perspective

Love can be romanticized to unrealistic levels, causing disappointment.

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