---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: It’s easier to have a relationship with…"
description: "\"“It’s easier to have a relationship with someone who isn’t there than someone who is.”\" — Jen Frederick"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/442/jen-frederick-21472_easier_it-s-easier-to-have-a-relationship-with_203653.jpg"
---

#  It’s easier to have a relationship with someone who isn’t…

![“It’s easier to have a relationship with someone who isn’t there than someone who is.” quote by Jen Frederick](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/442/jen-frederick-21472_easier_it-s-easier-to-have-a-relationship-with_203653.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/442/jen-frederick-21472_easier_it-s-easier-to-have-a-relationship-with_203653.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/442/jen-frederick-21472_easier_it-s-easier-to-have-a-relationship-with_203653.jpg)

> ““It’s easier to have a relationship with someone who isn’t there than someone who is.””

[Jen Frederick](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jen-frederick/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

It can be easier to imagine an idealized absent partner than to confront the flaws of a present one.

**In simple terms:** Imagining absent partners feels simpler.

Key Takeaway

Recognize real relationship challenges.

Themes

idealization absence relationship dynamics

Mood

thoughtful analytical

Type

psychological relationship advice

When to use this quote

- long-distance relationships
- unrequited love
- friendship
- conflict resolution

Key Concepts

psychology attachment expectations

Questions to Reflect On

- What do you avoid by idealizing absence?
- How can you address issues with present partners?

A Different Perspective

Idealizing absence may ignore growth opportunities.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Relationship](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/relationship/) [Relationships](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/relationships/)

## Related quotes

> [Being in a relationship isn't about the kissing, the dates,looks,or the showing off, it;s about being with someone who makes you happy in a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/being-in-a-relationship-isn-t-about-the-kissing-the-dates-looks-or/)

[Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/)

> [I still get attracted to people but having a relationship isn't fair on the other person.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anne-hegerty/i-still-get-attracted-to-people-but-having-a-relationship-isn-t-fair/)

[Anne Hegerty](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anne-hegerty/)

> [When you got a personal relationship with somebody, it's easier to work with someone.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tay-keith/when-you-got-a-personal-relationship-with-somebody-it-s-easier-to/)

[Tay Keith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tay-keith/)

> [Being in a relationship isn't about the kissing or the dates or the showing off, it's about being with someone who makes you happy…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/amanda/being-in-a-relationship-isn-t-about-the-kissing-or-the-dates-or-the/)

[Amanda](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/amanda/)

> [A perfect relationship isn't perfect, it's just that both people never give up.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/a-perfect-relationship-isn-t-perfect-it-s-just-that-both-people-never/)

[Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/)

> [A ship is designed to take you place.If your frienship,companionship,relationship isn't taking you anywhere maybe it's time to abandon ship](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/a-ship-is-designed-to-take-you-place-if-your-frienship-companionship/)

[Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/)

> [Being in a relationship isn't about the kissing, dates or showing off, It's about being with the person that makes you happy.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nishan-singh/being-in-a-relationship-isn-t-about-the-kissing-dates-or-showing-off/)

[Nishan Singh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nishan-singh/)

> [A great relationship isn't when perfect couple comes together... but imperfect couple learns to enjoy their differences and flaws. Knowing your partners like music...…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kemmy-nola-http-wwwamoreloveforlifecom/a-great-relationship-isn-t-when-perfect-couple-comes-together-but/)

Kemmy Nola Http://wwwamoreloveforlifecom

> [“Stop pretending to be happy! If the relationship isn’t working let it go, and save you both from tolerating each other. Release the drama,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/keishorne-scott/stop-pretending-to-be-happy-if-the-relationship-isn-t-working-let-it/)

Keishorne Scott

> [A relationship isn't going to make me survive. It's the cherry on top.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jennifer-aniston/a-relationship-isn-t-going-to-make-me-survive-it-s-the-cherry-on-top/)

[Jennifer Aniston](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jennifer-aniston/)

> [So many times I thought wrong of never finding someone. Being in a bad relationship isn't to put you through hurts, it's just to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cortezp1995/so-many-times-i-thought-wrong-of-never-finding-someone-being-in-a-bad/)

Cortezp1995

> [If you've ever been a person who is running a successful brand or business and with someone who is doing the same, but in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kaitlyn-bristowe/if-you-ve-ever-been-a-person-who-is-running-a-successful-brand-or/)

[Kaitlyn Bristowe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kaitlyn-bristowe/)

> [“Love is beautiful. However, being in a relationship isn't always a walk in the park. I think people often get love confused with perfection.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alexandra-elle/love-is-beautiful-however-being-in-a-relationship-isn-t-always-a-walk/)

[Alexandra Elle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alexandra-elle/)

> [A relationship isn't something that has to be created in a day or perfected in a day. Part of the game is to keep…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nora-roberts/a-relationship-isn-t-something-that-has-to-be-created-in-a-day-or/)

[Nora Roberts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nora-roberts/)

> [Being in a relationship isn't about kissing or the dates or the showing off. It's about being with that person who makes you happy…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nishan-panwar/being-in-a-relationship-isn-t-about-kissing-or-the-dates-or-the/)

[Nishan Panwar](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nishan-panwar/)

## More by Jen Frederick

> [“She might protest that we were just friends, but I was starting to think she liked my show of possessiveness. I’d try to keep…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jen-frederick/she-might-protest-that-we-were-just-friends-but-i-was-starting-to/)

[Jen Frederick](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jen-frederick/)

> [“I can see my future in your eyes, Tiny”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jen-frederick/i-can-see-my-future-in-your-eyes-tiny/)

[Jen Frederick](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jen-frederick/)

> [“if you do not want me to break your wrist with one squeeze of my hand, you will do two things immediately, First you…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jen-frederick/if-you-do-not-want-me-to-break-your-wrist-with-one-squeeze-of-my-hand/)

[Jen Frederick](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jen-frederick/)

> [“There are two rules for dating you should never forget. One, he should be strong enough so you can have sex standing up and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jen-frederick/there-are-two-rules-for-dating-you-should-never-forget-one-he-should/)

[Jen Frederick](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jen-frederick/)

> [“They wished that someone would look at them like Bo looks at me, with unrestrained pride and love.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jen-frederick/they-wished-that-someone-would-look-at-them-like-bo-looks-at-me-with/)

[Jen Frederick](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jen-frederick/)

> [“Unhealthy realities can be constructed out of imaginary occurrences as a coping strategy disguised as wish fulfillment,”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jen-frederick/unhealthy-realities-can-be-constructed-out-of-imaginary-occurrences/)

[Jen Frederick](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jen-frederick/)

> [“The Marines may have made me a man, but Grace made me human.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jen-frederick/the-marines-may-have-made-me-a-man-but-grace-made-me-human/)

[Jen Frederick](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jen-frederick/)

> [“Lana was good for my ego. She was good for everything. Too bad I was straight. And then there was the whole 'cousin' thing”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jen-frederick/lana-was-good-for-my-ego-she-was-good-for-everything-too-bad-i-was/)

[Jen Frederick](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jen-frederick/)

> [“Who says we'll be sleeping? I anticipate a lot of rigorous activity followed by a complete loss of consciousness.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jen-frederick/who-says-we-ll-be-sleeping-i-anticipate-a-lot-of-rigorous-activity/)

[Jen Frederick](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jen-frederick/)

> [“I'm a big collector of things." "Am I a thing?" "No, you're my heart.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jen-frederick/i-m-a-big-collector-of-things-am-i-a-thing-no-you-re-my-heart/)

[Jen Frederick](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jen-frederick/)

> [“I want you, bunny, and I'll have you. This will be the last night you cry alone.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jen-frederick/i-want-you-bunny-and-i-ll-have-you-this-will-be-the-last-night-you/)

[Jen Frederick](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jen-frederick/)

> [“I'd wait forever for you, Tiny. If you don't believe it now, you will when you're still stuck with me fifty years from now.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jen-frederick/i-d-wait-forever-for-you-tiny-if-you-don-t-believe-it-now-you-will/)

[Jen Frederick](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jen-frederick/)

> [“You’re not the only one who is alone in this world. You’re not the only one with dreams that include falling into bed at…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jen-frederick/you-re-not-the-only-one-who-is-alone-in-this-world-you-re-not-the/)

[Jen Frederick](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jen-frederick/)

> [“We need condoms for the heart.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jen-frederick/we-need-condoms-for-the-heart/)

[Jen Frederick](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jen-frederick/)

> [“I'm having this suit bronzed, you know”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jen-frederick/i-m-having-this-suit-bronzed-you-know/)

[Jen Frederick](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jen-frederick/)

[Explore all 29 Jen Frederick quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jen-frederick/)

## More Easier quotes

> [When you step out and do a song in a musical, the easier thing to do is make it funny. But when those transitions…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kelli-o-hara/when-you-step-out-and-do-a-song-in-a-musical-the-easier-thing-to-do/)

[Kelli O'Hara](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kelli-o-hara/)

> [It's easier to change a law than an age-old mentality. Deep down, many prejudices, many hostilities, many fears persist. But if we take a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dacia-maraini/it-s-easier-to-change-a-law-than-an-age-old-mentality-deep-down-many/)

[Dacia Maraini](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dacia-maraini/)

> [I think hair gel was invented to make it easier to identify assholes from a distance.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/demetri-martin/i-think-hair-gel-was-invented-to-make-it-easier-to-identify-assholes/)

[Demetri Martin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/demetri-martin/)

> [It is easier to say you're mad, rather than admitting you're hurt.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/it-is-easier-to-say-you-re-mad-rather-than-admitting-you-re-hurt/)

[Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/)

> [“Nothing is easier than yesterday's solutions.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/roger-sperry/nothing-is-easier-than-yesterday-s-solutions/)

Roger Sperry

> [When you have a cavity in your tooth and you let it get worse, eventually you have to get a root canal. If you…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/olivia-newton-john/when-you-have-a-cavity-in-your-tooth-and-you-let-it-get-worse/)

[Olivia Newton-John](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/olivia-newton-john/)

> [Generally, I like all islands. There, it is easier to rule.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/albert-camus/generally-i-like-all-islands-there-it-is-easier-to-rule/)

[Albert Camus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/albert-camus/)

> [It's funny, everything is so much easier when you do it yourself.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/carine-roitfeld/it-s-funny-everything-is-so-much-easier-when-you-do-it-yourself/)

[Carine Roitfeld](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/carine-roitfeld/)

> [It is easier to perceive error than to find truth, for the former lies on the surface and is easily seen, while the latter…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/johann-wolfgang-von-goethe/it-is-easier-to-perceive-error-than-to-find-truth-for-the-former-lies/)

[Johann Wolfgang von Goethe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/johann-wolfgang-von-goethe/)

> [I'm truly, 100% guided by the characters and my Muse. If one of the characters suddenly decided to do something very different, I'd just…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lori-foster/i-m-truly-100-guided-by-the-characters-and-my-muse-if-one-of-the/)

[Lori Foster](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lori-foster/)

> [The easier it is to quantify, the less it's worth.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/seth-godin/the-easier-it-is-to-quantify-the-less-it-s-worth/)

[Seth Godin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/seth-godin/)

> [“it is easier to do a job right than to explain why you didnt”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/martin-van-buren/it-is-easier-to-do-a-job-right-than-to-explain-why-you-didnt/)

[Martin Van Buren](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/martin-van-buren/)

> [“Often we find it easier to think our way around things rather than to feel our way through them:”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mark-nepo/often-we-find-it-easier-to-think-our-way-around-things-rather-than-to/)

[Mark Nepo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mark-nepo/)

> [I know it is easier said than done, but you have to find a way to surround yourself with positivity.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michaela-deprince/i-know-it-is-easier-said-than-done-but-you-have-to-find-a-way-to/)

[Michaela DePrince](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michaela-deprince/)

> [God puts you where God needs you. You are where you are supposed to be. The job you are doing may not be any…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lawrence-kushner/god-puts-you-where-god-needs-you-you-are-where-you-are-supposed-to-be/)

[Lawrence Kushner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lawrence-kushner/)

Browse all 5,480 Easier quotes

```json
{
    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "@graph": [
        {
            "@type": "Quotation",
            "text": "“It’s easier to have a relationship with someone who isn’t there than someone who is.”",
            "creator": {
                "@type": "Person",
                "name": "Jen Frederick"
            },
            "isPartOf": {
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website"
            },
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jen-frederick/it-s-easier-to-have-a-relationship-with-someone-who-isn-t-there-than/",
            "about": {
                "@type": "Thing",
                "name": "Easier"
            },
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jen-frederick/it-s-easier-to-have-a-relationship-with-someone-who-isn-t-there-than/#quotation",
            "image": {
                "@type": "ImageObject",
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/442/jen-frederick-21472_easier_it-s-easier-to-have-a-relationship-with_203653.jpg",
                "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/442/jen-frederick-21472_easier_it-s-easier-to-have-a-relationship-with_203653.jpg",
                "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/442/jen-frederick-21472_easier_it-s-easier-to-have-a-relationship-with_203653.jpg",
                "width": 1080,
                "height": 1080,
                "caption": "“It’s easier to have a relationship with someone who isn’t there than someone who is.” — Jen Frederick",
                "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                "creator": {
                    "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                }
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "BreadcrumbList",
            "itemListElement": [
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 1,
                    "name": "Home",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 2,
                    "name": "Quotes",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 3,
                    "name": "Jen Frederick",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jen-frederick/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 4,
                    "name": "“It’s easier to have a relationship...",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jen-frederick/it-s-easier-to-have-a-relationship-with-someone-who-isn-t-there-than/"
                }
            ],
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jen-frederick/it-s-easier-to-have-a-relationship-with-someone-who-isn-t-there-than/#breadcrumb"
        },
        {
            "@type": "WebSite",
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website",
            "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/",
            "publisher": {
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "Organization",
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization",
            "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/",
            "logo": {
                "@type": "ImageObject",
                "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png",
                "width": 512,
                "height": 512
            }
        }
    ]
}
```
