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Sick Quote by Hanif Kureishi

“Women are brought up to think of others. [...] When I start to think of myself I feel sick.” quote by Hanif Kureishi
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““Women are brought up to think of others. [...] When I start to think of myself I feel sick.””

Hanif Kureishi

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Buddha of Suburbia by Hanif Kureishi, 1990

Societal expectations condition women to prioritize others, making self‑care feel alien or guilt‑inducing.

In simple terms: Women are taught to ignore themselves, causing discomfort when they try to focus on their own needs.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize self‑care despite cultural conditioning.

Themes

gender roles self‑care guilt identity social conditioning

Mood

reflective empathetic motivational

Type

advice personal development

When to use this quote

  • personal growth
  • mental health
  • career decisions
  • family dynamics
  • activism

Key Concepts

feminist theory psychology cultural norms

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you reframe self‑care as essential?
  • What societal messages reinforce this guilt?
A Different Perspective

Self‑care can be seen as selfish, leading to internal conflict.

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