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I'm not sure I even believe in marriage," Hadley says and…

“I'm not sure I even believe in marriage," Hadley says and he looks surprised. "Aren't you on your way to a wedding?" "Yeah," she says with a nod. "But that's what I mean." He looks at her blankly. "It shouldn't be this big fuss, where you drag everyone halfway across the world to witness your…” quote by Jennifer E. Smith
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““I'm not sure I even believe in marriage," Hadley says and he looks surprised. "Aren't you on your way to a wedding?" "Yeah," she says with a nod. "But that's what I mean." He looks at her blankly. "It shouldn't be this big fuss, where you drag everyone halfway across the world to witness your love. If you want to share your life together, fine. But it's between two people, and that should be enough. Why the big show? Why rub it in everyone's faces?" Oliver runs a hand along his jaw, obviously not quite sure what to think. "It sounds like its weddings you don't believe in," he says finally. "Not marriage." "I'm not such a big fan of either at the moment." "I don't know," he says. "I think they're kind of nice." "They're not," she insists. "They're all for show. You shouldn't need to prove anything if you really mean it. It should be a whole lot simpler than that. It should mean something." "I think it does," Oliver says quietly. "It's a promise." "I guess so," she says, unable to keep the sigh out of her voice. "But not everyone keeps that promise." she looks over toward the woman, still fast asleep. "Not everyone makes it fifty-two years, and if you do, it doesn't matter that you once stood in front of all those people and said that you would. The important part is that you had someone to stick by you all that time. Even when everything sucked.””

Jennifer E. Smith

About This Quote

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

Marriage is portrayed as a social spectacle that can distract from its core purpose: a personal, lasting commitment between two people.

In simple terms: Marriage should be about personal commitment, not public show.

Key Takeaway

Focus on the partnership, not the performance.

Themes

commitment relationship social expectations authenticity longevity

Mood

reflective thoughtful

Type

philosophical conversational

When to use this quote

  • wedding planning
  • relationship counseling
  • personal vows
  • celebrations

Key Concepts

social ritual personal promise intimacy

Questions to Reflect On

  • What aspects of marriage feel essential to you?
  • How can couples honor their commitment without societal pressure?
A Different Perspective

Public ceremonies can create pressure and expectations that may not reflect the couple's true feelings.

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