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Dexter Quote by David Nicholls

“With failing bravado, Dexter tried to laugh. "You sound like you're dumping me!" She smiled sadly. "I suppose I am in a way. You're not who you used to be, Dex, I really, really liked the old one. I'd like him back, but in the meantime, I'm sorry, but I don't think you should phone me anymore."…” quote by David Nicholls
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““With failing bravado, Dexter tried to laugh. "You sound like you're dumping me!" She smiled sadly. "I suppose I am in a way. You're not who you used to be, Dex, I really, really liked the old one. I'd like him back, but in the meantime, I'm sorry, but I don't think you should phone me anymore." She turned and, a little unsteadily, began to walk off down the side alley in the direction of Leicester Square. For a moment, Dexter had a fleeting but perfectly clear memory of himself at his mother's funeral, curled up on the bathroom floor while Emma held onto him and stroked his hair.Yet somehow he had managed to treat this as nothing, to throw it all away for dross. He followed a little way behind her. "Come on, Em, we're still friends aren't we? I know I've been a little weird, it's just..." She stopped for a moment, but didn't turn round, and he knew that she was crying. "Emma?" Then very quickly she turned, walked up to him and pulled his face to hers, her cheek warm and wet against his, speaking quickly and quietly in his ear, and for one bright moment he thought he was to be forgiven. "Dexter, I love you so much. So, so much, and I probably always will." Her lips touched his cheek. "I just don't like you anymore. I'm sorry." And then she was gone, and he found himself on the street, standing alone in this back alley trying to imagine what he would possibly do next.””

David Nicholls

About This Quote

Source Novel: One Day by David Nicholls, 2009

A character confronts the painful reality of a relationship ending, feeling loss, denial, and lingering hope while trying to move forward.

In simple terms: A breakup leaves him hurt and uncertain about the future.

Key Takeaway

Accept the ending and seek personal growth.

Themes

loss denial hope relationships

Mood

sad reflective hopeful

Type

narrative emotional romantic

When to use this quote

  • walking alone after a breakup
  • reflecting on past love
  • deciding next steps
  • seeking support
  • finding new purpose

Key Concepts

attachment grief selfdeception

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you honor past love without staying stuck?
  • What steps help you rebuild after a painful goodbye?
A Different Perspective

The narrative may romanticize lingering attachment, making it hard to let go fully.

3.9 out of 5 (7 ratings)

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