American women Quote by Elizabeth Gilbert
““We Americans often say that marriage is hard work. I'm not sure that the Hmong would understand this notion. Life is hard work, of course, and work is very hard work -- I'm quite certain they would agree with those statements - but how does marriage become hard work? Marriage becomes hard work once you have poured the entirety of your life's expectations for happiness into the hands of one mere person. Keeping that going is hard work. A recent survey of young American women found that what women are seeking these days in a husband - more than anything else - is a man who will "inspire" them, which is, by any measure, a tall order. As a point of comparison, young women of the same age, surveyed back in the 1920s, were more likely to choose a partner based on qualities such as "decency" or "honesty," or his ability to provide for a family. But that's not enough anymore. Now we want to be INSPIRED by our spouses! Daily! Step to it, honey!””
About This Quote
Source Interview: "Eat, Pray, Love" author on marriage expectations, 2015
Marriage feels like hard work when all hopes for happiness hinge on a single partner, demanding constant inspiration.
In simple terms: Relying on one person for all happiness is exhausting.
Seek shared responsibility and realistic expectations.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- marriage counseling
- personal growth
- partner communication
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can couples balance personal fulfillment with shared goals?
- What realistic expectations support lasting partnership?
Relying solely on a partner can lead to disappointment and burnout.