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What she couldn’t stand, she said, was pretence of any…

“What she couldn’t stand, she said, was pretence of any kind, especially the pretence of desire, wherein someone feigned the need to possess her wholly when in fact what he wanted was to use her temporarily. She herself, she said, was quite willing to use others too, but she only recognised it once…” quote by Rachel Cusk
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““What she couldn’t stand, she said, was pretence of any kind, especially the pretence of desire, wherein someone feigned the need to possess her wholly when in fact what he wanted was to use her temporarily. She herself, she said, was quite willing to use others too, but she only recognised it once they had admitted this intention in themselves.””

Rachel Cusk

About This Quote

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

She despises false pretenses, especially feigned desire, and acknowledges her own willingness to use others once they reveal their intentions.

In simple terms: She hates insincerity and sees her own similar behavior.

Key Takeaway

Beware pretended motives in relationships.

Themes

relationships authenticity power dynamics

Mood

reflective cautious

Type

literary psychological

When to use this quote

  • dating
  • workplace interactions
  • friendships

Key Concepts

psychology self-awareness ethical behavior

Questions to Reflect On

  • What pretenses do you encounter?
  • How can you recognize genuine intent?
A Different Perspective

People may hide true motives, making trust difficult.

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