I hit you. Won’t that make you go away? What else can I…
““I hit you. Won’t that make you go away? What else can I do?” he snarled. He’d fallen back on his old standby, anger. “I’m not going away, Cole, so maybe we can cut out the assaults in the future. You don’t want me to go away. I know that. You love me, Cole. That’s the feeling that makes you so angry.” She’d sighed and looked at the ceiling. “You don’t know what to do with it, because the people you’ve loved in the past caused you pain. That’s what you think love is. Pain.” She’d looked at his face until he met her eyes. They were still green. “But, Cole, I love you. Have I hurt you? Ever?” Cole had to shake his head. She hadn’t. Not once. “I’m showing you what to do with love, Cole.” She stood and held out her arms. A hug. A simple hug he didn’t have to earn by throwing a chair. Human contact that wasn’t required because he was trying to hurt someone. She still trusted him. She still saw something in him.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A character uses affection to break through another's anger, showing love can be gentle and non‑violent.
In simple terms: Love can calm anger through simple, caring actions.
Key Takeaway
Offer empathy instead of conflict.
Themes
love
empathy
conflict resolution
trust
Mood
hopeful
reflective
Type
inspirational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- relationship counseling
- family therapy
- friendship building
- violent conflict de‑escalation
Key Concepts
attachment theory
emotional intelligence
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you show love without expecting immediate change?
- What small act can shift a tense moment?
A Different Perspective
May not work if the person is deeply entrenched in hostility.