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I think people hold back all kinds of things. And in a…

“I think people hold back all kinds of things. And in a way, they just want to be nice. They want to be civil.” quote by Mary Gaitskill
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“I think people hold back all kinds of things. And in a way, they just want to be nice. They want to be civil.”

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.

People often restrain themselves to be polite and civil, suppressing authentic expression for the sake of niceness.

In simple terms: People hold back to be nice.

Key Takeaway

Allow genuine interaction.

Themes

social dynamics politeness authenticity

Mood

reflective empathetic

Type

social psychological

When to use this quote

  • team workshops
  • social gatherings
  • customer service

Key Concepts

civility self‑censorship interpersonal relations

Questions to Reflect On

  • When does being nice become harmful?
  • How can you balance civility with authenticity?
A Different Perspective

Excessive politeness can hinder honest communication.

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