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There used to be two kinds of kisses: First when girls…

“There used to be two kinds of kisses: First when girls were kissed and deserted; second, when they were engaged. Now there's a third kind, where the man is kissed and deserted. If Mr. Jones of the nineties bragged he'd kissed a girl, everyone knew he was through with her. If Mr. Jones of 1919…” quote by F. Scott Fitzgerald
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“There used to be two kinds of kisses: First when girls were kissed and deserted; second, when they were engaged. Now there's a third kind, where the man is kissed and deserted. If Mr. Jones of the nineties bragged he'd kissed a girl, everyone knew he was through with her. If Mr. Jones of 1919 brags the same, everyone knows it's because he can't kiss her any more. Given a decent start any girl can beat a man nowadays.”

F. Scott Fitzgerald

About This Quote

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

The quote humorously contrasts past and present romantic dynamics, noting how men’s reputations shift with changing social norms.

In simple terms: Men’s reputation changes with how they treat women.

Key Takeaway

Recognize how social expectations affect relationships.

Themes

romance social change gender roles

Mood

wry reflective

Type

satirical observational

When to use this quote

  • dating
  • social reputation
  • gender expectations
  • historical comparison

Key Concepts

sociology humor cultural critique

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do modern dating norms affect reputation?
  • What does this say about gender expectations?
A Different Perspective

May oversimplify complex social shifts; not all men fit these patterns.

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