Look, you're small-town. I've had over 50 jobs, maybe a…
““Look, you're small-town. I've had over 50 jobs, maybe a hundred. I've never stayed anywhere long. What I am trying to say is, there is a certain game played in offices all over America. The people are bored, they don't know what to do, so they play the office-romance game. Most of the time it means nothing but the passing of time. Sometimes they do manage to work off a screw or two on the side. But even then, it is just an offhand pasttime, like bowling or t.v. or a New Year's Eve party. You've got to understand that it doesn't mean anything and then you won't get hurt. Do you understand what I mean?" I think that Mr. Partisan is sincere." You're going to get stuck with that pin, babe, don't forget what I told you. Watch those slicks. They are as phony as a lead dime.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Office life often becomes a meaningless distraction, leading people to seek shallow romance and pastimes to avoid boredom, which can cause emotional detachment.
In simple terms: People use office romance to fill boredom, but it lacks real meaning.
Key Takeaway
Recognize emptiness, seek genuine connection.
Themes
boredom
office culture
relationships
Mood
cynical
reflective
Type
observational
social commentary
When to use this quote
- career stagnation
- social gatherings
- personal fulfillment
- relationship building
Key Concepts
existentialism
social coping
distraction
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you use distractions to avoid boredom?
- How can you find meaning beyond office games?
A Different Perspective
It can also foster genuine intimacy if approached honestly.