--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: But then why, when talking on the phone…" description: "\"But then why, when talking on the phone, did they quarrel, on average at least once every four sentences? Maybe, though the inspector, it was an effect..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/397/andrea-camilleri-18718_age_but-then-why-when-talking-on-the-phone-d_1051745.jpg" --- # But then why, when talking on the phone, did they quarrel… ![“But then why, when talking on the phone, did they quarrel, on average at least once every four sentences? Maybe, though the inspector, it was an effect of the distance between them becoming less and less tolerable with each passing day, since as we grow old - for every now and then one must, yes…” quote by Andrea Camilleri](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/397/andrea-camilleri-18718_age_but-then-why-when-talking-on-the-phone-d_1051745.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/397/andrea-camilleri-18718_age_but-then-why-when-talking-on-the-phone-d_1051745.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/397/andrea-camilleri-18718_age_but-then-why-when-talking-on-the-phone-d_1051745.jpg) > “But then why, when talking on the phone, did they quarrel, on average at least once every four sentences? Maybe, though the inspector, it was an effect of the distance between them becoming less and less tolerable with each passing day, since as we grow old - for every now and then one must, yes, look reality in the eye and call things by their proper names - we feel more keenly the need to have the person we love beside us.” [Andrea Camilleri](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andrea-camilleri/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Distance can strain relationships, making communication harder as time passes. **In simple terms:** Being apart makes talking harder. Key Takeaway Maintain close contact despite distance. Themes relationships communication loneliness ageing Mood reflective melancholic Type literary philosophical When to use this quote - long‑distance relationships - elder care - family gatherings - remote work - conflict resolution Key Concepts psychology social distance interpersonal dynamics Questions to Reflect On - What habits help keep bonds strong over time? - How does age affect need for closeness? A Different Perspective May overlook individual coping strategies; not all distances are negative. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Age](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/age/) [Grow Old](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/grow-old/) [Love](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/love/) [Phones](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/phones/) [Reality](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/reality/) ## Related quotes > [“Most of the time, you should be using the positive/playful voice. It’s the voice of an easygoing, good-natured person. 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