Bother Quote by André Aciman
“Would I still feel this way on leaving the party tonight? Or would I find cunning ways to latch on to minor defects so they'd start to bother me and allow me to snuff the dream till it tapered off and lost its luster and, with its luster gone, remind me once again, as ever again, that happiness is the one thing that in our lives others cannot bring.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Call Me by Your Name, André Aciman, 2007
The speaker worries that happiness is fleeting and may be undermined by focusing on minor flaws, suggesting that joy is something others cannot provide.
In simple terms: Happiness is fragile and can be lost by obsessing over small imperfections.
Guard against over‑analysis that steals joy.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- relationships
- personal growth
- mental health
- self‑esteem
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What small imperfection am I magnifying?
- How can I protect my happiness from internal sabotage?
Focusing on flaws can create a self‑fulfilling loss of joy.