Flirts Quote by Alice Munro
““He loved her for her wit, her cynicism, her deceptions. Less than lovable these seem to me now. They are both sly, Hugh and Margaret, they are socially awkward, easily embarrassed. But cold underneath, you may be sure, colder than us easy flirts with our charms and conquests. They do not reveal themselves. They will never admit to anything, never have to talk about anything, no, I could claw their skin and it would be my own fingers that would bleed. I could scream at them till my throat bursts and never alter their self-possession, change the look of their sly averted faces. Both blond, both easy blushers, both cold mockers. They have contempt for me. That is rubbish of course. Nothing for me. All for each other. Love.””
About This Quote
Source Short story: “Love” in *The Moons of Jupiter* (1998)
A complex, cold love between two socially awkward individuals, marked by contempt and self‑isolation.
In simple terms: Cold, distant love.
Key Takeaway
Recognize unhealthy relational patterns.
Themes
love
coldness
contempt
social awkwardness
Mood
melancholic
analytical
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- romantic relationships
- friendships
- family dynamics
Key Concepts
psychological defense
emotional detachment
self‑preservation
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you see any tenderness in their interaction?
- How does contempt protect the self?
A Different Perspective
The analysis may overlook moments of genuine affection hidden beneath sarcasm.
