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Ambivalence Quote by Ina May Gaskin

“In her insightful Of Woman Born (1976), Adrienne Rich said it very eloquently: “My children cause me the most exquisite suffering of which I have any experience. It is the suffering of ambivalence: the murderous alternation between bitter resentment and raw-edged nerves, and blissful gratification…” quote by Ina May Gaskin
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““In her insightful Of Woman Born (1976), Adrienne Rich said it very eloquently: “My children cause me the most exquisite suffering of which I have any experience. It is the suffering of ambivalence: the murderous alternation between bitter resentment and raw-edged nerves, and blissful gratification and tenderness.””

Ina May Gaskin

About This Quote

Source Book: Of Woman Born, 1976

Motherhood can bring intense love mixed with deep, conflicting pain and ambivalence.

In simple terms: Motherhood brings love and painful ambivalence.

Key Takeaway

Accept and navigate mixed emotions.

Themes

motherhood ambivalence love pain

Mood

reflective bittersweet introspective

Type

literary personal

When to use this quote

  • parenting
  • self‑reflection
  • counseling
  • writing
  • support groups

Key Concepts

psychology family dynamics emotional complexity

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you honor both love and pain in parenting?
  • What strategies help balance ambivalence?
A Different Perspective

The quote idealifies the difficulty of reconciling love and resentment.

3.7 out of 5 (4 ratings)

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