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Anticipation Quote by Gaynor Arnold

“As I know only too well, anticipation od happiness can sometimes be as gratifying as its consummation. Even during the first months of my separation, every footstep on the pavement would have me racing to the window, and every ring of the doorbell would set my heart beating as fast as a bird's…” quote by Gaynor Arnold
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““As I know only too well, anticipation od happiness can sometimes be as gratifying as its consummation. Even during the first months of my separation, every footstep on the pavement would have me racing to the window, and every ring of the doorbell would set my heart beating as fast as a bird's. But as the months went by without even a word, I gradually had to relinquish my hopes of seeing him again. It was not easy to do so, and I am not sure whether I have managed it entirely; however I did stop waking with that thought in my head, imagining what he was doing every hour of the day, and whether his journey would by chance take him past my door. I tried to tell myself instead that I was fortunate in my neglect; that now I needed have no fear that he would arrive and his gimlet eye start to anatomize the cushions, or the curtains, or the state of the fireplace; that now, at last, my life was my own. But truth to tell, I would have given anything to see him walk with his jaunty step up to my front door and rap out a cheerful rhythm with his silver-topped cane.””

Gaynor Arnold

About This Quote

Anticipation of reunion can be as intoxicating as the reunion itself, but prolonged waiting erodes hope, forcing acceptance of independence.

In simple terms: Waiting fuels hope, then demands release.

Key Takeaway

Hope can become a hindrance if not tempered.

Themes

anticipation hope loss independence

Mood

nostalgic wistful

Type

emotional narrative

When to use this quote

  • long‑distance relationships
  • awaiting news after surgery
  • waiting for a job offer

Key Concepts

psychology of longing

Practical Applications

  • practice mindfulness to curb rumination
  • set realistic timelines for expectations

Questions to Reflect On

  • When does hope become self‑sabotage?
  • How can one balance longing with present‑moment living?
A Different Perspective

The quote romanticizes waiting, overlooking the emotional toll of chronic uncertainty.

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