--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Would you have references?\" \"I'm awfully…" description: "\"“Would you have references?\" \"I'm awfully sorry but I haven't. I just arrived in New York, and don't know a soul. Except you.\" I smiled but she didn't ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bf5/jack-finney-31966_character_would-you-have-references-i-m-awfully-so_2920643.png" --- # Would you have references?" "I'm awfully sorry but I… ![“Would you have references?" "I'm awfully sorry but I haven't. I just arrived in New York, and don't know a soul. Except you." I smiled but she didn't smile back. She stood hesitating, and I said, "It's true that I'm an escaped convict, an active counterfeiter, and occasional murderer. And I howl…” quote by Jack Finney](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bf5/jack-finney-31966_character_would-you-have-references-i-m-awfully-so_2920643.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bf5/jack-finney-31966_character_would-you-have-references-i-m-awfully-so_2920643.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bf5/jack-finney-31966_character_would-you-have-references-i-m-awfully-so_2920643.png) > ““Would you have references?" "I'm awfully sorry but I haven't. I just arrived in New York, and don't know a soul. Except you." I smiled but she didn't smile back. She stood hesitating, and I said, "It's true that I'm an escaped convict, an active counterfeiter, and occasional murderer. And I howl during the full of the moon. But I'm neat.”” [Jack Finney](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jack-finney/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. A narrator reveals his criminal past and odd habits while seeking connection in an unfamiliar city, highlighting vulnerability and self‑presentation. **In simple terms:** A criminal tries to make a connection despite his past. Key Takeaway Be honest about who you are, even if flawed. Themes vulnerability identity social connection Mood anxious hopeful Type narrative confessional When to use this quote - first meeting in a new city - confessing secrets - building relationships Key Concepts self‑disclosure trust loneliness Questions to Reflect On - What does honesty cost in new relationships? - Can vulnerability be a bridge or a barrier? A Different Perspective The confession may alienate rather than attract. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Character](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/character/) [Didn Smile](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/didn-smile-1090393/) [Humor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/humor/) [References](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/references/) [Smile Stood](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/smile-stood-4253338/) [Smiled](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/smiled/) [Smiled Didn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/smiled-didn-1720489/) [Tenants](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/tenants/) [True Escaped](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/true-escaped-4253339/) ## Related quotes > [“I smiled at her, but she didn’t smile back. 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And an increasing longing for the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jack-finney/haven-t-you-noticed-too-on-the-part-of-nearly-everyone-you-know-a/) [Jack Finney](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jack-finney/) > [I went up a straight crooked lane and, I said 'No thanks, yes if yer please.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jack-finney/i-went-up-a-straight-crooked-lane-and-i-said-no-thanks-yes-if-yer/) [Jack Finney](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jack-finney/) > [It may be that the strongest instinct of the human race, stronger than sex or hunger, is curiosity: the absolute need to know. 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