Skip to content

Identity Quote by Anaïs Nin

“By the end of the evening I was like a man, terribly in love with her face and body, which promised so much, and I hated the self created in her by others. Others feel because of her; and because of her, others write poetry; because of her, others hate; others, like Henry, love her in spite of…” quote by Anaïs Nin
Download Open image
““By the end of the evening I was like a man, terribly in love with her face and body, which promised so much, and I hated the self created in her by others. Others feel because of her; and because of her, others write poetry; because of her, others hate; others, like Henry, love her in spite of themselves.””

Anaïs Nin

About This Quote

Source Diary Entry, 1930s

Intense attraction leads to idealizing a lover, creating a self‑image shaped by others’ perceptions and conflicting emotions.

In simple terms: Love can create a conflicted self‑image influenced by others.

Key Takeaway

Seek authentic connection beyond external narratives.

Themes

love identity conflict

Mood

reflective melancholic

Type

literary introspective

When to use this quote

  • romantic relationships
  • creative writing
  • therapy sessions

Key Concepts

idealization self‑concept social influence

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you differentiate your feelings from others’ projections?
  • What steps help you see a partner authentically?
A Different Perspective

Idealization can obscure true compatibility and cause inner turmoil.

5.0 out of 5 (6 ratings)

More by Anaïs Nin

Explore all 715 Anaïs Nin quotes

More Identity quotes

Browse all 11,890 Identity quotes