Appointments Quote by Marshall B. Rosenberg
“Very often, the way love is defined, it does violence to both people. It almost makes them a slave to the other. For example, if to be in love, or to be married, it means that I'm responsible for the other person's happiness, now we get into this guilt game, where if they're upset, I'm at fault. Soon, that makes the person we are closest to about as much fun to be around as a prolonged dental appointment.”
About This Quote
Source Book: "Nonviolent Communication", 2003
Love can become oppressive when responsibility for another's happiness creates guilt.
In simple terms: Love can feel like a burden.
Avoid guilt in relationships.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- marriage
- friendship
- family
- therapy
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How to share happiness responsibility?
- Can love be unconditional?
Love also requires mutual responsibility.