Ambivalence Quote by Adrienne Rich
“My children cause me the most exquisite suffering of which I have any experience. It is the suffering of ambivalence: the murderous alternation between bitter resentment and raw-edged nerves, and blissful gratification and tenderness. Sometimes I seem to myself, in my feelings toward these tiny guiltless beings, a monster of selfishness and intolerance.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: “The Mother” by Adrienne Rich, 1971
The speaker describes the complex, painful love for children, mixing resentment, anxiety, and deep affection, reflecting ambivalence.
In simple terms: Complex love for children mixes pain and joy.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and accept mixed feelings toward parenting.
Themes
parenting
ambivalence
love
pain
Mood
reflective
empathetic
Type
poetic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- parent‑child relationships
- therapy sessions
- personal journals
- family counseling
Key Concepts
psychology of attachment
self‑reflection
Questions to Reflect On
- How can parents reconcile love and resentment?
- What practices ease ambivalence?
A Different Perspective
Self‑criticism can hinder healthy parenting.
