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When love is unreliable and you are a child, you assume…

“When love is unreliable and you are a child, you assume that it is the nature of love -- its quality -- to be unreliable. Children do not find fault with their parents until later. In the beginning the love you get is the love that sets.” quote by Jeanette Winterson
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““When love is unreliable and you are a child, you assume that it is the nature of love -- its quality -- to be unreliable. Children do not find fault with their parents until later. In the beginning the love you get is the love that sets.””

Jeanette Winterson

About This Quote

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

Children accept love as it is, assuming unreliability is its nature, until they later recognize parental flaws.

In simple terms: Kids think love is naturally unreliable until they grow up.

Key Takeaway

Recognize early love may be imperfect, but can evolve.

Themes

family love growth perception

Mood

reflective nostalgic

Type

philosophical literary

When to use this quote

  • parenting
  • relationships
  • self‑reflection

Key Concepts

attachment theory developmental psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does your view of love change with age?
  • What assumptions did you inherit about affection?
A Different Perspective

Love can change as understanding deepens.

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