Beautiful Quote by Honore de Balzac
“A husband can commit no greater blunder than to discuss his wife, if she is virtuous, with his mistress; unless it be to mention his mistress, if she is beautiful, to his wife.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Le Père Goriot by Honoré de Balzac, 1835
Discussing a virtuous wife with a mistress is a grave mistake; likewise, praising a beautiful mistress to the wife is equally unwise.
In simple terms: Avoid comparing or boasting about partners to each other.
Respect privacy and loyalty in relationships.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- family gatherings
- marital counseling
- social gatherings
- workplace gossip
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you maintain respect for partners in social circles?
- What boundaries protect relationships from gossip?
Such comparisons can damage trust and cause lasting resentment.