Skip to content

Asked Quote by Erich Segal

“But what does he do to qualify as a sonovabitch?” Jenny asked. “Make me”, I replied. “Beg pardon?” “Make me”, I repeated. Her eyes widened like saucers. “You mean like incest?” she asked. “Don’t give me your family problems, Jen. I have enough of my own.” “Like what, Oliver?” she asked, “like just…” quote by Erich Segal
Download Open image
“But what does he do to qualify as a sonovabitch?” Jenny asked. “Make me”, I replied. “Beg pardon?” “Make me”, I repeated. Her eyes widened like saucers. “You mean like incest?” she asked. “Don’t give me your family problems, Jen. I have enough of my own.” “Like what, Oliver?” she asked, “like just what is it he makes you do?” “The ‘right things’”, I said. “What’s wrong with the ‘right things’?” she asked, delighting in the apparent paradox.”

Erich Segal

About This Quote

Source Novel: Love Story by Erich Segal, 1970

A character resists being reduced to a label, emphasizing personal agency over family expectations.

In simple terms: People should define themselves, not be defined by others.

Key Takeaway

Assert your own identity.

Themes

identity agency family boundaries

Mood

defensive conflicted

Type

dialogue dramatic

When to use this quote

  • personal relationships
  • family gatherings
  • self‑reflection

Key Concepts

self‑definition psychology conflict

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you maintain autonomy in close relationships?
  • What boundaries protect your identity?
A Different Perspective

Family expectations can limit personal growth.

4.3 out of 5 (3 ratings)

More by Erich Segal

Explore all 51 Erich Segal quotes

More Asked quotes

Browse all 2,259 Asked quotes