Social Responses Quote by Lydia Davis
““He did not know exactly when to thank his hostess after attending a dinner or a weekend party. In his uncertainty, he would thank her over and over again. It was as though he hoped to achieve through the effect of accumulation what one speech alone could not accomplish. Wassilly was puzzled by the fact that these social responses did not come naturally to him, as they evidently did to others. He tried to learn them by watching other people closely, and was to some extent successful. But why was it such a difficult game? Sometimes he felt like a wolf-child who had only recently joined humanity.””
About This Quote
Source Short Story: “The End of the World” by Lydia Davis, 1995
He repeatedly thanks his hostess hoping repeated gratitude compensates for his social awkwardness, revealing his struggle to master polite rituals.
In simple terms: He overthanks to make up for not knowing the right moment.
Key Takeaway
Practice genuine gratitude, not overcompensation.
Themes
social anxiety
politeness
self-consciousness
Mood
anxious
reflective
Type
advice
observational
When to use this quote
- dinner parties
- networking events
- new acquaintances
- team gatherings
Key Concepts
imitation
social learning
confidence building
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you express gratitude authentically?
- What cues signal the appropriate moment to thank someone?
A Different Perspective
Over‑thanking can feel insincere and may strain relationships.
![“I worked more intensively hour after hour when I was starting out [writing]. More laboriously. I'd say quantity is important as well as quality, and if you're not producing enough, make a schedule and stick to it.” quote by Lydia Davis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/29b/lydia-davis-3244_after-hours_i-worked-more-intensively-hour-after-hou_171566.jpg)
