Emma Quote by Jane Austen
““I lay it down as a general rule, Harriet, that if a woman doubts as to whether she should accept a man or not, she certainly ought to refuse him. If she can hesitate as to "'Yes,'" she ought to say "'No'" directly. It is not a state to be safely entered into with doubtful feelings, with half a heart.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Pride and Prejudice, 1813
A woman should trust her intuition and avoid relationships that feel uncertain or half‑hearted.
In simple terms: Trust gut feelings about love.
Key Takeaway
Say no when unsure.
Themes
relationships
intuition
self‑respect
Mood
reflective
cautious
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- dating
- marriage proposals
- friendship boundaries
Key Concepts
autonomy
decision making
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you differentiate fear from genuine doubt?
- What signs indicate a healthy partnership?
A Different Perspective
May miss a compatible partner if overly cautious.
![“Everybody is taken in at some period or another. [...] In marriage especially. [...] There is not one in a hundred of either sex, who is not taken in when they marry. Look where I will, I see that it is so; and I feel that it must be so, when I consider that it is, of all transactions, the one in…” quote by Jane Austen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/37a/jane-austen-39_marriage_everybody-is-taken-in-at-some-period-or_7175.jpg)
