Skip to content

I have never been married. I don't know if I will ever…

“I have never been married. I don't know if I will ever marry, though I hope to. When I am asked why I have not married, I explain that my parents have been happily married for 42 years. The bar feels so very high for that kind of commitment.” quote by Roxane Gay
Download Open image
“I have never been married. I don't know if I will ever marry, though I hope to. When I am asked why I have not married, I explain that my parents have been happily married for 42 years. The bar feels so very high for that kind of commitment.”

Roxane Gay

About This Quote

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

High parental marriage longevity sets an intimidating benchmark, causing personal doubt about committing to marriage.

In simple terms: Parental marriage sets a high bar.

Key Takeaway

Assess personal values separate from parental examples.

Themes

marriage expectations self‑worth

Mood

thoughtful hopeful

Type

advice personal development

When to use this quote

  • dating
  • career planning
  • therapy
  • family discussions

Key Concepts

social comparison commitment anxiety cultural norms

Questions to Reflect On

  • What defines a healthy partnership for you?
  • How can you set personal relationship standards?
A Different Perspective

Individual choices may differ from parental models.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Roxane Gay

Explore all 503 Roxane Gay quotes

More Am quotes

Browse all 9,589 Am quotes