Was I wilfully blind when I married Michael? Of course I…
““Was I wilfully blind when I married Michael? Of course I was. I knew about his heart condition - everyone did. But I fell in love with him and decided it didn't matter. We were going to live for ever, somehow. Now I know that the fact that we had the same initials, were both expatriates, had gone to the same university, and were of medium build made the relationship highly determined. But I might have done the research and discovered his short life expectancy or talked to psychologists about the pain of grieving or read books about the sadness of widowhood. But I didn't do any of those things. I looked away from those sad certainties and pretended that they weren't there. Love is blind, not, as in mythology, because Cupid's arrows are random but because, once struck by them, we are left blind. When we love someone, we see them as smarter, wittier, prettier, stronger than anyone else sees them.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The narrator reflects on love’s blindness, acknowledging ignored warnings about a partner’s health, and the tendency to idealize loved ones despite known risks.
In simple terms: Love can blind us to real dangers.
Key Takeaway
Recognize love’s blind spots.
Themes
love
denial
risk
awareness
Mood
reflective
somber
cautionary
Type
personal
philosophical
When to use this quote
- marriage
- long‑term partnership
- health crises
- decision making
Key Concepts
cognitive bias
mortality
relationship dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance love with practical concerns?
- What signs do you ignore in relationships?
A Different Perspective
Love may also inspire realistic planning; denial can be harmful.