--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I willed her to open up. To be honest…" description: "\"“I willed her to open up. To be honest with me about her feelings. To give me the chance to prove to her that I was her safe place.”\" — Devney Perry" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/49c/devney-perry-12690_safe-place_i-willed-her-to-open-up-to-be-honest-wit_2605280.jpg" --- # I willed her to open up. To be honest with me about her… ![“I willed her to open up. To be honest with me about her feelings. To give me the chance to prove to her that I was her safe place.” quote by Devney Perry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/49c/devney-perry-12690_safe-place_i-willed-her-to-open-up-to-be-honest-wit_2605280.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/49c/devney-perry-12690_safe-place_i-willed-her-to-open-up-to-be-honest-wit_2605280.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/49c/devney-perry-12690_safe-place_i-willed-her-to-open-up-to-be-honest-wit_2605280.jpg) > ““I willed her to open up. To be honest with me about her feelings. To give me the chance to prove to her that I was her safe place.”” [Devney Perry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/devney-perry/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Attempting to force openness can feel controlling; genuine safety must be earned, not demanded. **In simple terms:** Forceful openness feels controlling. Key Takeaway Earn trust, don’t demand it. Themes trust openness control Mood cautious hopeful Type advice reflective When to use this quote - romantic partnership - friendship - therapy Key Concepts relationships psychology Questions to Reflect On - How can you create a safe space? - What signals show genuine trust? A Different Perspective People may resist forced vulnerability. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Safe place](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/safe-place/) [Truth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/truth/) ## Related quotes > [How strange it is that people of honest feelings and sensibilty, who would not take advantage of a man born without arms or legs…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/daniel-keyes/how-strange-it-is-that-people-of-honest-feelings-and-sensibilty-who/) [Daniel Keyes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daniel-keyes/) > [“I'm sorry. I don't mean to be so emotional. It's just that it's been a very trying few weeks. 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I’d follow him anywhere on earth.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/devney-perry/with-beau-s-eyes-staring-right-into-my-soul-i-didn-t-have-one-worry/) [Devney Perry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/devney-perry/) > [“I love you, Emmy. Always.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/devney-perry/i-love-you-emmy-always/) [Devney Perry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/devney-perry/) > [“I’m just going to lay it out there,” he said. “You’re beautiful … We’re from two different worlds. Let’s not get wrapped up in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/devney-perry/i-m-just-going-to-lay-it-out-there-he-said-you-re-beautiful-we-re/) [Devney Perry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/devney-perry/) > [“As I stared at her profile, determination coursed through my veins. 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