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Adultery is like, here's the way it is, and here's exactly…

“Adultery is like, here's the way it is, and here's exactly what you're supposed to do. It's like cheating at Monopoly. For me, it just doesn't apply to human relations. I mean, I use the word sometimes because it's fair and everybody knows what it means, but I find it a very irritating word.” quote by Mary Gaitskill
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“Adultery is like, here's the way it is, and here's exactly what you're supposed to do. It's like cheating at Monopoly. For me, it just doesn't apply to human relations. I mean, I use the word sometimes because it's fair and everybody knows what it means, but I find it a very irritating word.”

Mary Gaitskill

About This Quote

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

The speaker critiques the term "adultery" as a simplistic, game‑like label that fails to capture the complexity of human relationships.

In simple terms: The word "adultery" is an irritating, oversimplified label for complex relationships.

Key Takeaway

Avoid using reductive labels for nuanced situations.

Themes

relationships language ethics communication

Mood

frustrated reflective

Type

analytical critical

When to use this quote

  • marriage counseling
  • friendship conflicts
  • ethical debates
  • personal reflection

Key Concepts

semantic reduction human complexity social norms

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does language shape our moral judgments?
  • When is it appropriate to simplify complex issues?
A Different Perspective

The term may still be useful in legal contexts despite its emotional baggage.

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