Skip to content

People like to say that the opposite of love is not hate…

“People like to say that the opposite of love is not hate but indifference. There tends to be a whispered reverence around the expression, as if it has magical healing powers. Better to be hated than ignored by that angry ex of yours; better to be hated than ignored, generally. Otherwise, you may…” quote by Julie Buxbaum
Download Open image
““People like to say that the opposite of love is not hate but indifference. There tends to be a whispered reverence around the expression, as if it has magical healing powers. Better to be hated than ignored by that angry ex of yours; better to be hated than ignored, generally. Otherwise, you may spend your life staring straight down the barrel of the opposite of love. But I think that's bullshit. Nonsense print copy for a paper towel. A sound bit e to needlepoint on a throw pillow. Could indifference really be worse than hate? How depressing to think we could be spending most of our days surrounded by people who feel something worse than hate toward us.””

Julie Buxbaum

About This Quote

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

The quote challenges the notion that indifference is worse than hate, arguing that both are harmful but indifference is not inherently more damaging.

In simple terms: Indifference isn’t necessarily worse than hate.

Key Takeaway

Question the belief that indifference is the worst.

Themes

relationships psychology emotions

Mood

reflective critical

Type

philosophical analytical

When to use this quote

  • personal relationships
  • workplace dynamics
  • social media interactions

Key Concepts

human behavior social perception

Questions to Reflect On

  • Is indifference ever preferable to hate?
  • How do we recognize when indifference becomes harmful?
A Different Perspective

Indifference can be a coping mechanism, not always worse than hate.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Julie Buxbaum

Explore all 133 Julie Buxbaum quotes

More Indifference quotes

Browse all 1,128 Indifference quotes