Choices Quote by Jaclyn Moriarty
“...a choice had to be made when your husband said something unkind. Specifically: be cruel, be strong, or sulk. 'Be cruel' by saying an unkind thing back. 'Be strong' by choosing not to mind. But to do this, you have to use up a piece of your love. You have to shave off enough of the love to forgive. After a while, the piece might grow back, but sometimes not. And if you shave off all the soft curves, you'll be left with a sharp-edged love. 'Sulk' by sulking. Sulking is simply delaying the choice to be cruel or strong.”
About This Quote
Choosing how to respond to hurt involves balancing retaliation, resilience, and emotional withdrawal, each costing part of one's capacity for love.
In simple terms: Decide between revenge, strength, or silence, each draining love.
Key Takeaway
Choose the response that preserves your well‑being.
Themes
relationships
emotional intelligence
conflict resolution
Mood
reflective
tense
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- marriage disputes
- family arguments
- friendship betrayals
- workplace criticism
Key Concepts
love economy
choice theory
self‑preservation
Questions to Reflect On
- What cost are you willing to pay to stay strong?
- How does each choice affect your inner peace?
A Different Perspective
Sustained cruelty can erode trust; sulking may prolong pain.
![“She's always getting into trouble because she gets bored really really easily. [...] My mum says it's because Celia has an attention span the size of a sesame seed. Celia's mum says it's because Celia's identity is unfurling itself slowly, like a tulip bud, and it's a breathtakingly beautiful…” quote by Jaclyn Moriarty](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f85/jaclyn-moriarty-13344_attention-span_she-s-always-getting-into-trouble-becaus_734185.jpg)
