Character Quote by Anthony Trollope
““Considering how much we are all given to discuss the characters of others, and discuss them often not in the strictest spirit of charity, it is singular how little we are inclined to think that others can speak ill-naturedly of us, and how angry and hurt we are when proof reaches us that they have done so. It is hardly too much to say that we all of us occasionally speak of our dearest friends in a manner in which those dearest friends would very little like to hear themselves mentioned, and that we nevertheless expect that our dearest friends shall invariably speak of us as though they were blind to all our faults, but keenly alive to every shade of our virtues.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Way We Live Now, 1875
People often assume friends will only praise us, yet we may speak harshly about them and feel hurt when they do the same to us.
In simple terms: We expect blind praise from friends, but reality differs.
Key Takeaway
Accept that friends can be critical too.
Themes
friendship
expectation
communication
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- teamwork
- family gatherings
- conflict mediation
Key Concepts
social psychology
empathy
self‑awareness
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you handle criticism from close friends?
- Can you give feedback without hurting?
A Different Perspective
Assuming flawless perception can damage relationships.
