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And I find myself saying, “It wasn’t really about her.”…

“And I find myself saying, “It wasn’t really about her.” And finding it’s true. What do you mean?” Norah asks. It was about the feeling, you know? She caused it in me, but it wasn’t about her. It was about my reaction, what I wanted to feel and then convinced myself that I felt, because I wanted it…” quote by David Levithan
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“And I find myself saying, “It wasn’t really about her.” And finding it’s true. What do you mean?” Norah asks. It was about the feeling, you know? She caused it in me, but it wasn’t about her. It was about my reaction, what I wanted to feel and then convinced myself that I felt, because I wanted it that bad. That illusion. It was love because I created it as love.”

David Levithan

About This Quote

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

We often mistake our own emotional reactions for the object of love, confusing self‑generated feelings with the person themselves.

In simple terms: We confuse our feelings with the person we love.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and own your emotional projections.

Themes

love self‑awareness perception illusion emotion

Mood

reflective introspective

Type

philosophical psychological

When to use this quote

  • relationship counseling
  • personal journaling
  • therapy sessions
  • mindful meditation

Key Concepts

psychology attachment theory self‑deception

Questions to Reflect On

  • What feelings am I projecting onto others?
  • How can I differentiate my needs from my love?
A Different Perspective

It can be hard to separate genuine affection from self‑created narratives.

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