Acquaintance Quote by Arlene Francis
“Trouble is a sieve through which we sift our acquaintances. Those too big to pass through are our friends.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Collection of Essays, 1972
Uses a sieve metaphor to illustrate that only certain acquaintances become true friends.
In simple terms: Friends are those who fit our standards.
Key Takeaway
Value quality over quantity in friendships.
Themes
relationships
selection
friendship
Mood
reflective
warm
Type
advisory
philosophical
When to use this quote
- social networking
- team building
- personal growth
- community involvement
- support groups
Key Concepts
metaphor
social filtering
Questions to Reflect On
- What criteria define a true friend?
- How can we balance openness with discernment?
A Different Perspective
May seem dismissive of diverse connections.
![“The dividing line [between friends and acquaintances] is communication, I think. A friend is someone to whom you can say any jackass thing that enters your mind. With acquaintances, you are forever aware of their slightly unreal image of you, and to keep them content, you edit yourself to fit…” quote by John D. MacDonald](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/955/john-d-macdonald-8277_acquaintance_the-dividing-line-between-friends-and-ac_444661.jpg)
![“[On an anarchist acquaintance:] Everything in appearance the most alarmist aunt could wish.” quote by Sylvia Townsend Warner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ae9/sylvia-townsend-warner-7063_acquaintance_on-an-anarchist-acquaintance-everything_72515.jpg)
![“[Books] will visit you at your convenience, whether you are lonesome or not, on rainy days or fair. They propose themselves as either transient acquaintances or permanent friends. They will stay as long as you like, departing or returning as you wish. Their friendship entails no obligation. Best…” quote by Clifton Fadiman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/08b/clifton-fadiman-11053_acquaintance_books-will-visit-you-at-your-convenience_75546.jpg)
