Decision Quote by Alain de Botton
“You will often be in despair. You will sometimes think it's the worst decision in your life. That's fine. That's not a sign your marriage has gone wrong. It's a sign that it's normal; it's on track. And many of the hopes that took you into the marriage will have to die in order for the marriage to continue.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Essays in Love by Alain de Botton, 1995
Marriage involves inevitable periods of doubt and despair, which signal growth rather than failure.
In simple terms: Despair in marriage is normal and can be a sign of progress.
Key Takeaway
Accept doubt as part of marital growth.
Themes
relationships
growth
resilience
Mood
reflective
hopeful
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- marital counseling
- personal reflection
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
attachment theory
existential meaning
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you transform despair into constructive dialogue?
- What hopes must you let go to sustain the marriage?
A Different Perspective
Despair may indicate deeper issues needing attention, not just normal cycles.
![“Marriage is a call to die [to self]... Christian marriage vows are the inception of a lifelong practice of death, of giving over not only all you have, but all you are. Is this a grim gallows call? Not at all! It is no more grim than dying to self and following Christ. In fact, those who lovingly…” quote by R. Kent Hughes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c20/r-kent-hughes-16131_christ_marriage-is-a-call-to-die-to-self-christ_1421103.jpg)
