And marriage, generally, requires an exquisite sense of…
““And marriage, generally, requires an exquisite sense of timing. As a single person, time is relative to one’s needs and demands; as a married partner, time is a joint venture - the husband may be an hour late getting home, while dinner grows cold; the wife may be an hour late dressing for a party, while her mate grows hot under the collar. Time does not belong to us alone; we share it with those we love, those we work for, those we play with. It is an elastic concept: we must, as we grow older, be willing to be bored for someone else’s sake. And it can be as fatal to be stingy with our time as with our money.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Marriage requires synchronizing personal schedules, making time a shared resource that demands patience and generosity.
In simple terms: Marriage makes time a joint venture.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize shared moments over personal convenience.
Themes
relationships
time management
marriage
patience
generosity
Mood
thoughtful
reflective
balanced
Type
relationship
philosophical
When to use this quote
- family life
- work‑life balance
- long‑term partnerships
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
interdependence
elastic time
social contract
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance personal needs with shared time?
- What limits should be set on time‑sharing?
A Different Perspective
May idealize sacrifice, ignoring personal boundaries.