Affection Quote by Enid Bagnold
“It's not till sex has died out between a man and a woman that they can really love. And now I mean affection. Now I mean to be fond of (as one is fond of oneself) -to hope, to be disappointed, to live inside the other heart. When I look back on the pain of sex, the love like a wild fox so ready to bite, the antagonism that sits like a twin beside love, and contrast it with affection, so deeply unrepeatable, of two people who have lived a life together (and of whom one must die) it's the affection I find richer. It's that I would have again. Not all those doubtful rainbow colors.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Loved One by Enid Bagnold, 1948
True love emerges after sexual desire fades, revealing deeper affection that endures beyond physical intimacy and personal loss.
In simple terms: Love deepens after sex ends, becoming lasting affection.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate emotional intimacy beyond physical desire.
Themes
love
affection
post-sexual intimacy
Mood
nostalgic
introspective
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- long-term partnerships
- marriage counseling
- widowhood support
- personal growth
Key Concepts
psychology
human relationships
Questions to Reflect On
- Can love thrive without sexual intimacy?
- How does sexual loss affect emotional bonds?
A Different Perspective
The view may undervalue the role of sexual connection in healthy relationships.
