Skip to content

Ability Quote by Doris Lessing

“Women have an extraordinary ability to withdraw from the sexual relationship, to immunize themselves against it, in such a way that their men can be left feeling let down and insulted without having anything tangible to complain of.” quote by Doris Lessing
Download Open image
“Women have an extraordinary ability to withdraw from the sexual relationship, to immunize themselves against it, in such a way that their men can be left feeling let down and insulted without having anything tangible to complain of.”

Doris Lessing

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Golden Notebook, 1962

Women can emotionally detach from sex, leaving men feeling confused and slighted without clear grievances.

In simple terms: Women may withdraw, causing men to feel upset without obvious reasons.

Key Takeaway

Respect emotional boundaries and communicate openly.

Themes

gender dynamics relationships emotional health communication

Mood

thoughtful critical

Type

relationship psychological

When to use this quote

  • marriage counseling
  • friendship
  • workplace interactions

Key Concepts

psychology feminism intimacy

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can partners address unmet expectations?
  • What role does communication play in intimacy?
A Different Perspective

Assumes all women act similarly, ignoring individual agency.

3.0 out of 5 (6 ratings)

More by Doris Lessing

Explore all 508 Doris Lessing quotes

More Ability quotes

Browse all 9,990 Ability quotes