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A lover, when he is admitted to cards, ought to be…

“A lover, when he is admitted to cards, ought to be solemnly silent, and observe the motions of his mistress. He must laugh when she laughs, sigh when she sighs. In short, he should be the shadow of her mind. A lady, in the presence of her lover, should never want a looking-glass; as a beau, in the…” quote by Henry Fielding
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“A lover, when he is admitted to cards, ought to be solemnly silent, and observe the motions of his mistress. He must laugh when she laughs, sigh when she sighs. In short, he should be the shadow of her mind. A lady, in the presence of her lover, should never want a looking-glass; as a beau, in the presence of his looking-glass, never wants a mistress.”

Henry Fielding

About This Quote

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

Romantic partners should mirror each other's emotions and avoid self‑absorption, fostering mutual attentiveness and humility.

In simple terms: Mirror emotions, avoid vanity.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate attentive humility.

Themes

romance emotional mirroring humility attention

Mood

intimate reflective

Type

advice maxim

When to use this quote

  • first dates
  • long‑term partnerships
  • courtship rituals

Key Concepts

relationship dynamics self‑awareness

Practical Applications

  • relationship counseling
  • dating advice

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why is mirroring important in intimacy?
  • How does vanity undermine connection?
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