All husbands are unfaithful in one way or another.”…
““All husbands are unfaithful in one way or another.” Lillian and Daisy glanced at each other with raised brows. “Father isn’t,” Lillian replied smartly. Mercedes responded with a laugh that sounded like crackling leaves being crushed underfoot. “Isn’t he, dear? Perhaps he has stayed true to me physically—one can never be certain about these things. But his work has proved a more jealous and demanding mistress than a flesh-and-blood woman could ever be. All his dreams are invested in that collection of buildings and employees and legalities that absorb him to the exclusion of all else. If my competition had been a mortal woman, I could have borne it easily, knowing that passion fades and beauty lasts but an instant. But his company will never fade or sicken—it will outlast us all. If you have a year of your husband’s interest and affection, it will be more than I have ever had.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Marriages can be eclipsed by a partner’s obsessive dedication to work, making emotional intimacy secondary.
In simple terms: Work can dominate love.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize balance over career obsession.
Themes
marriage
career
emotional neglect
power dynamics
Mood
reflective
melancholic
thoughtful
Type
advice
analytical
conversational
When to use this quote
- business owners
- spouses
- career-driven individuals
- people feeling neglected
- people seeking balance
Key Concepts
obsession
identity
legacy
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you measure success in love versus work?
- Can a partnership survive when one partner is consumed by ambition?
A Different Perspective
Even successful careers can erode personal relationships if not managed.