Able Quote by Anne Bronte
“You need not fear me, for I not only should think it wrong to marry a man that was deficient in sense or in principle, but I should never be tempted to do it; for I could not like him, if he were ever so handsome, and ever so charming, in other respects; I should hate him—despise him—pity him—anything but love him. My affections not only ought to be founded on approbation, but they will and must be so: for, without approving, I cannot love. It is needless to say, I ought to be able to respect and honour the man I marry, as well as love him, for I cannot love him without.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: “The Tenant of Wildfell Hall” by Anne Brontë, 1848
Love must be based on respect and approval, not merely attraction; without genuine respect, love cannot exist.
In simple terms: Love requires respect, not just attraction.
Key Takeaway
Seek relationships built on mutual respect.
Themes
love
marriage
respect
approval
Mood
reflective
pragmatic
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- courtship advice
- marriage counseling
- personal boundaries
Key Concepts
ethical love
personal integrity
relationship dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- What balance should exist between reason and emotion in love?
- How does respect evolve in long‑term relationships?
A Different Perspective
The perspective may be overly rational, ignoring emotional complexity.
![“By his [God's] help I will arise and address myself diligently to my appointed duty. If happiness in this world is not for me, I will endeavor to promote the welfare of those around me, and my reward shall be hereafter.” quote by Anne Brontë](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/8a2/anne-bronte-1444_afterlife_by-his-god-s-help-i-will-arise-and-addre_76821.jpg)
