Couples stray,” said Edgar. “Part of the breaking-in…
““Couples stray,” said Edgar. “Part of the breaking-in process.” “Not breaking in, breaking.” Nicola differed sharply. “You can glue people together again. But then your relationship’s like any other repaired object, with cracks, blobs of epoxy, a little askew. It’s never the same. I can see you haven’t a notion what I’m on about, so you’ll have to take my word for it.” “Christ, you’re a babe in the woods.” Edgar stopped slicing tomatoes. “You got it ass-backward. A marriage perched like porcelain on the mantelpiece is doomed. Sooner or later grown-ups treat each other like shit. You gotta be able to kick the thing around, less like china than an old shoe—bam, under the bed, or walk it through some puddles. No love’s gonna last it if can’t take abuse.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Relationships deteriorate and must be repaired, but repairs leave lasting scars and altered dynamics.
In simple terms: Relationships change after damage.
Key Takeaway
Repair with care, accept lasting changes.
Themes
relationships
repair
damage
Mood
cautious
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
advice
When to use this quote
- marriage counseling
- conflict resolution
- personal growth
- relationship maintenance
Key Concepts
psychology
trust
resilience
Questions to Reflect On
- Can a relationship ever truly return to its original state?
- What are healthy ways to handle relational damage?
A Different Perspective
Repairing may not fully restore original trust or intimacy.