Adulthood Quote by Alain de Botton
“Parent and child may both love, but - unbeknown to the child - each party is on a different end of the axis. This is why, in adulthood, when we first long for 'love', what we mean is that we want to 'be loved' as we were once loved by a parent.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Essays in Love by Alain de Botton, 1995
Adult love often seeks the feeling of being loved, echoing childhood parental love.
In simple terms: We love to feel loved, like as parents.
Key Takeaway
Recognize this pattern in relationships.
Themes
love
family
psychology
Mood
introspective
thoughtful
Type
psychological
philosophical
When to use this quote
- romantic relationships
- parental dynamics
- therapy sessions
Key Concepts
attachment theory
developmental psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- What does “being loved” mean to you?
- How does childhood affect your adult relationships?
A Different Perspective
People may confuse love with need for validation.
