Having sex Quote by Angelina Jolie
““It was that I had started having sex, and that sex didn't feel like enough, and no emotions were really enough, I didn't feel… it's like there was always something I wanted to break out of, feel more, be more connected to another person, something more honest... and in kind of a moment of wanting to find something honest, I grabbed a knife, and I cut him and he cut me back, and we had this exchange, and then somehow ...covered in blood and my heart was racing and it was dangerous and life... and... and it suddenly felt more honest than whatever this sex thing was supposed to be, this connection between two people was supposed to be. So I went through a period of when I would feel trapped, I'd cut myself because it felt like I was releasing something, and that it was honest. I had a desperate need, which I think most artists do, to communicate... to feel that whatever it is inside me, cutting or going crazy or whatever it is I'm feeling,... there's something inside of us, we wanna reach out, we wanna talk to each other, we wanna throw our emotions and our thoughts out and hope that we make some sense or we get an answer... we want to just emote and hope there'll be a response.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: Vanity Fair, 2005
The speaker describes using self‑harm and violence as a misguided attempt to feel genuine connection and emotional honesty, reflecting a deep yearning for authentic communication.
In simple terms: She tried hurting herself and others to feel real connection.
Seek healthy ways to express and process emotions.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- therapy sessions
- artistic creation
- support groups
- friendship
- intimate relationships
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What healthier outlets can fulfill the need for authentic expression?
- How can we support those who feel trapped by emotional pain?
Self‑harm is a harmful coping mechanism and does not resolve underlying issues.