Can you expect me to be just when you've just killed me?…
““Can you expect me to be just when you've just killed me? Oh, I know I asked for it--I know it's good for me. Horrible things always are good for you, I suppose. After you've been killed a few times you don't mind it. But the first time one does--squirm. Go away, Dean. Don't come back for a week at least. The funeral will be over then." "Don't you believe I know what this means to you, Star?" asked Dean pityingly. "You can't--altogether. Oh, I know you're sympathetic. I don't want sympathy. I only want time to bury myself decently.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Repeated hardship can desensitize us, yet the first encounter remains painful and unsettling.
In simple terms: First pain is sharp, later pain dulls.
Key Takeaway
Acknowledge initial discomfort before seeking relief.
Themes
pain
resilience
growth
Mood
somber
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- grief counseling
- recovering from loss
- first-time trauma
Key Concepts
trauma processing
acceptance
Questions to Reflect On
- What coping strategies help after the first trauma?
- How do you balance seeking time with confronting pain?
A Different Perspective
Repeated exposure can lead to numbness, not healing.