--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Oh dear! how she could have loved him if…" description: "\"“Oh dear! how she could have loved him if he had but been different, with a difference which she felt, on reflection, to be one that went low—deep down..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4d6/elizabeth-gaskell-894_quote_oh-dear-how-she-could-have-loved-him-if_1555505.jpg" --- # Oh dear! how she could have loved him if he had but been… ![“Oh dear! how she could have loved him if he had but been different, with a difference which she felt, on reflection, to be one that went low—deep down.” quote by Elizabeth Gaskell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4d6/elizabeth-gaskell-894_quote_oh-dear-how-she-could-have-loved-him-if_1555505.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4d6/elizabeth-gaskell-894_quote_oh-dear-how-she-could-have-loved-him-if_1555505.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4d6/elizabeth-gaskell-894_quote_oh-dear-how-she-could-have-loved-him-if_1555505.jpg) > ““Oh dear! how she could have loved him if he had but been different, with a difference which she felt, on reflection, to be one that went low—deep down.”” [Elizabeth Gaskell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/elizabeth-gaskell/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. She loves him only because he is different, a difference she perceives as low and deep, highlighting how love can be tied to perceived flaws. **In simple terms:** Love can depend on perceived flaws. Key Takeaway Recognize when love is based on imagined imperfections. Themes love perception flaws Mood reflective melancholic Type literary philosophical When to use this quote - relationships - self‑reflection - personal growth Key Concepts psychology social expectation Questions to Reflect On - Do you love someone for who they are or for the differences you imagine? - How do perceived flaws affect affection? 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