Being single Quote by Margo Jefferson
““You are a single woman; you intend to remain one. You’ve acquired enough sexual experience to feel you belong to your times. You do not have children; you never intended to. Sustained romantic intensities have not been for you. Your explanation (not an untrue one,though not quite sufficient) is that you have let yourself be shaped by so many conventions, expectations, and requirements (institution’s, people’s), by so much dread of disapproval, that the discipline of solitude—severe solitude—has been required to give you the sense of an independent selfhood. The intensities of friendship suit you better. Friendship’s choreography is for multiple partners: for varied groups and surprisingly sustained duets.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Solitude of the Single Woman,” The New Yorker, 2021
A woman's choice of solitude can be a conscious response to societal pressures and expectations, shaping an independent identity.
In simple terms: Choosing solitude can be a deliberate, empowering act.
Key Takeaway
Embrace intentional solitude for self‑definition.
Themes
identity
solitude
gender
societal expectations
independence
Mood
thoughtful
empowering
analytical
Type
essay
feminist
When to use this quote
- career development
- personal growth
- friendship building
- mental health
Key Concepts
feminist theory
psychology
social norms
Questions to Reflect On
- What does independence mean to you?
- How can friendships fulfill relational needs?
A Different Perspective
It may overlook the value of partnership for some individuals.
