Love Quote by Elizabeth Strout
““what young people did not know. They did not know that lumpy, aged, and wrinkled bodies were as needy as their own young, firm ones, that love was not to be tossed away carelessly, as if it were a tart on a platter with others that got passed around again. No, if love was available, one chose it, or didn't choose it. And if her platter had been full with the goodness of Henry and she had found it burdensome, had flicked it off crumbs at a time, it was because she had not known what one should know: that day after day was unconsciously squandered.””
About This Quote
The passage reflects on youthful ignorance of aging bodies' needs, the careless treatment of love, and the waste of time when one fails to appreciate what is truly valuable.
In simple terms: Youth misjudges love and aging.
Key Takeaway
Love and time are precious, not disposable.
Themes
aging
love
youthful ignorance
time
responsibility
Mood
reflective
melancholic
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
narrative
reflective
When to use this quote
- a young adult confronting an older partner
- a caregiver realizing the depth of an elder's needs
- someone reflecting on past relationships
- a person learning to value time
Key Concepts
human need
emotional labor
intergenerational empathy
mortality
Practical Applications
- relationship counseling
- personal growth workshops
Questions to Reflect On
- How does recognizing the needs of aging bodies change our relationships?
- What habits cause us to waste time unknowingly?
