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She was around ten minutes late, as a matter of fact. I…

“She was around ten minutes late, as a matter of fact. I didn't give a damn, though. All that crap they have in cartoons in the Saturday Evening Post and all, showing guys on street corners looking sore as hell because their dates are late - that's bunk. If a girl looks swell when she meets you…” quote by J.D. Salinger
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““She was around ten minutes late, as a matter of fact. I didn't give a damn, though. All that crap they have in cartoons in the Saturday Evening Post and all, showing guys on street corners looking sore as hell because their dates are late - that's bunk. If a girl looks swell when she meets you, who gives a damn if she's late? Nobody.””

J.D. Salinger

About This Quote

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

The narrator dismisses social expectations about punctuality, valuing personal chemistry over timeliness.

In simple terms: Being late isn’t a problem if the person is attractive.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize genuine connection over strict schedules.

Themes

relationships social norms authenticity

Mood

casual defiant

Type

conversational observational

When to use this quote

  • dating
  • first impressions
  • social gatherings

Key Concepts

personal values perception social pressure

Questions to Reflect On

  • Do you judge others by appearance or behavior?
  • How do you balance courtesy with personal preferences?
A Different Perspective

Some may view lateness as disrespectful, causing tension.

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