Attracted Quote by Elif Shafak
““Why did it have to be this way? Why did she not feel attracted to this boy, who was kind and personable, close to her in age and probably good for her? Instead it was the professor for whom she secretly yearned - a man not only old, unknown and unavailable, but also wrong. It puzzled her endlessly that she was not, and had never really been, interested in happiness - that magic word that was the subject of so many books, workshops and TV shows. She did not want to be unhappy. Of course, she didn't. It just did not occur to her to seek happiness as a worthwhile goal in life. How otherwise could she allow herself to carry a torch for a man like Azur?””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Forty Rules of Love by Elif Shafak, 2009
She seeks fulfillment through an unattainable, inappropriate love, neglecting the simple pursuit of happiness.
In simple terms: She chases the wrong love and ignores happiness.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and value attainable happiness over impossible desire.
Themes
love
desire
unattainable
self‑awareness
Mood
conflicted
longing
reflective
Type
philosophical
emotional
When to use this quote
- relationship choices
- personal growth
- career decisions
- mental health
- seeking fulfillment
Key Concepts
psychology
existential longing
self‑sabotage
Questions to Reflect On
- What would change if she pursued happiness directly?
- How does idealizing the unavailable affect self‑worth?
A Different Perspective
Focusing on impossible love can blind one to realistic sources of joy.
