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As he paid the hansom and followed his wife's long train…

“As he paid the hansom and followed his wife's long train into the house he took refuge in the comforting platitude that the first six months were always the most difficult in marriage. 'After that I suppose we shall have pretty nearly finished rubbing off each other’s angles,' he reflected; but…” quote by Edith Wharton
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“As he paid the hansom and followed his wife's long train into the house he took refuge in the comforting platitude that the first six months were always the most difficult in marriage. 'After that I suppose we shall have pretty nearly finished rubbing off each other’s angles,' he reflected; but the worst of it was that May's pressure was already bearing on the very angles whose sharpness he most wanted to keep”

Edith Wharton

About This Quote

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

Early marital challenges are normal; couples often expect the hardest period to pass, but underlying tensions persist.

In simple terms: First months are tough, but deeper issues remain.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and address underlying conflicts early.

Themes

marriage relationships conflict growth

Mood

reflective empathetic

Type

literary psychological

When to use this quote

  • premarital counseling
  • conflict resolution workshops
  • relationship check‑ins
  • family therapy

Key Concepts

marital dynamics communication expectations

Questions to Reflect On

  • What hidden angles in your relationship need attention?
  • How can couples navigate early difficulties constructively?
A Different Perspective

Idealizing “hardest period” can delay needed interventions.

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