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I don’t care how they speculate, or what their answers…

“I don’t care how they speculate, or what their answers are. We live as we can, we do what we must, and not everything goes by either Freudian or Victorian patterns. What I am sure of is that friendship—not love, friendship—is as possible between women as between men, and that in either case it is…” quote by Wallace Stegner
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““I don’t care how they speculate, or what their answers are. We live as we can, we do what we must, and not everything goes by either Freudian or Victorian patterns. What I am sure of is that friendship—not love, friendship—is as possible between women as between men, and that in either case it is often stronger for not having to cross sexual picket lines. Sexuality and mistrust often go together, and both are incompatible with amicitia.””

Wallace Stegner

About This Quote

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

Friendship can be as strong as love and is often freer of gendered expectations, whereas sexuality and mistrust hinder true camaraderie.

In simple terms: Friendship transcends gender, but sexuality can create barriers.

Key Takeaway

Value platonic bonds without imposing sexual expectations.

Themes

friendship gender trust sexuality social norms

Mood

reflective thoughtful analytical

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • workplace collaboration
  • mixed‑gender teams
  • cross‑gender friendships
  • conflict resolution
  • team building

Key Concepts

amicitia gender dynamics trust theory

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do gender expectations shape your friendships?
  • What steps can you take to foster trust without sexual tension?
A Different Perspective

Friendship may still be influenced by societal expectations despite the claim.

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