Skip to content

The narcissistic, the domineering, the possessive woman…

“The narcissistic, the domineering, the possessive woman can succeed in being a "loving" mother as long as the child is small. Only the really loving woman, the woman who is happier in giving than in taking, who is firmly rooted in her own existence, can be a loving mother when the child is in the…” quote by Erich Fromm
Download Open image
“The narcissistic, the domineering, the possessive woman can succeed in being a "loving" mother as long as the child is small. Only the really loving woman, the woman who is happier in giving than in taking, who is firmly rooted in her own existence, can be a loving mother when the child is in the process of separation.”

Erich Fromm

About This Quote

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

A controlling mother can appear loving while the child is dependent; true love emerges when the mother is self‑sufficient and enjoys giving.

In simple terms: Control can masquerade as love; genuine love needs self‑sufficiency.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate self‑worth to love healthily.

Themes

parenting love self‑sufficiency control

Mood

thoughtful analytical

Type

philosophical psychological

When to use this quote

  • raising children
  • relationship counseling
  • personal development

Key Concepts

humanistic psychology family dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance self‑care with caring for others?
  • What signs indicate love is controlling?
A Different Perspective

Overemphasis on self‑sufficiency may neglect interdependence.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Erich Fromm

Explore all 558 Erich Fromm quotes

More Children quotes

Browse all 62,396 Children quotes