I didn’t really know the answer to this myself, but saying…
““I didn’t really know the answer to this myself, but saying that wasn’t going to get me off the hook. I started talking without any clear idea of what was going to come out. ‘Because sex causes more unhappiness than it gives pleasure,’ I said. ‘Because men and women want different things, and one of them always ends up being disappointed. Because I don’t get asked much, and I hate asking. Because I’m not very good at it. Because I’m used to being on my own. Because I can’t think of anymore reason.’ I paused for breath. ‘All right,’ said Ronnie. She turned and started walking backwards so she could get a good view of my face. ‘Which of those is the real one?’ ‘B,’ I said, after a bit of thought.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The speaker lists many excuses for avoiding intimacy, then is challenged to identify the true underlying reason, revealing self‑awareness is needed to confront personal issues.
In simple terms: He gives many reasons for avoiding sex, then must pick the real one.
Identify the core cause of avoidance.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- dating
- marriage counseling
- self‑reflection
- therapy sessions
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What excuse are you most likely to use?
- How can you uncover the deeper cause?
The list may oversimplify complex emotional factors; the “real” reason may be multiple.