Stop trying Quote by Elizabeth Gilbert
““Last spring, David had offered this crazy solution to our woes, only half in jest:... "What if we admitted that we make each other nuts, we fight constantly and hardly ever have sex, but we can't live without each other, so we deal with it? And then we could spend our lives together- in misery, but happy to not be apart." Let it be a testimony to how desperately I love this guy that I have spent the last ten months giving that offer serious consideration. The other alternative in the backs of our minds, of course, was that one of us might change. He might become more open and affectionate, not withholding himself from anyone who loves him on the fear that she will eat his soul. Or I might learn how to ... stop trying to eat his soul.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert, 2006
The quote reflects the paradox of loving someone deeply despite conflict and dysfunction, choosing companionship over perfection.
In simple terms: Loving someone can mean accepting flaws and conflict.
Key Takeaway
Embrace imperfect love rather than seeking idealized perfection.
Themes
love
relationships
imperfection
dependency
acceptance
Mood
reflective
melancholy
hopeful
Type
personal
relationship
philosophical
When to use this quote
- long-term partnership
- marriage counseling
- friendship dynamics
- cohabitation decisions
Key Concepts
psychology
attachment theory
communication
self-awareness
Questions to Reflect On
- Can you love someone without losing yourself?
- How do you balance intimacy with personal boundaries?
A Different Perspective
Idealized romance may overlook the need for personal growth and mutual respect.
![“Was it possible to love a man who made you feel ridiculous? Of course […], love was complicated, that was all. Or was love simple, and marriage was complicated? In seventeen years of marriage David had often left her feeling frustrated, and furious, and disgusted, yes - but he had also made her…” quote by Laura Brodie](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/38c/laura-brodie-71869_death_was-it-possible-to-love-a-man-who-made-y_1519224.jpg)
![“And while [we] do have possibilities that are vast and magnificent and almost infinite in scope, it's important to remember that our choice-rich lives have the potential to breed their own brand of trouble. We are susceptible to emotional uncertainties and neuroses that are probably not very…” quote by Elizabeth Gilbert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7fb/elizabeth-gilbert-131_choice_and-while-we-do-have-possibilities-that_30637.jpg)
