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I had always believed, and not only out of cynicism, that…

“I had always believed, and not only out of cynicism, that a man and a woman could tell in the first ten minutes whether they wanted to go to bed together; and that the time that passed after those first ten minutes represented a tax, which might be worth paying if the article promised to be really…” quote by John Fowles
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““I had always believed, and not only out of cynicism, that a man and a woman could tell in the first ten minutes whether they wanted to go to bed together; and that the time that passed after those first ten minutes represented a tax, which might be worth paying if the article promised to be really enjoyable, but which nine times out of ten became rapidly excessive.””

John Fowles

About This Quote

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

First impressions can hint at compatibility, but deeper connection requires time beyond initial judgments.

In simple terms: First minutes hint at chemistry, but more time reveals true compatibility.

Key Takeaway

Give relationships time to develop beyond first impressions.

Themes

relationships trust intimacy

Mood

thoughtful analytical

Type

observational philosophical

When to use this quote

  • dating
  • friendship
  • work collaborations

Key Concepts

first impressions compatibility social dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

  • Do you rely too much on first impressions?
  • How can you balance intuition with patience?
A Different Perspective

first impressions can be misleading and cause premature decisions.

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