Best friend Quote by Meg Wolitzer
““For while they'd stayed close during the absurd years of his sharp rise, having children had knocked it all into a different arrangement. The minute you had children you closed ranks. You didn't plan this in advance, but it happened. Families were like individual, discrete, moated island nations. The little group of citizens on the slab of rock gathered together instinctively, almost defensively, and everyone who was outside the walls--even if you'd once been best friends--was now just that, outsiders. Families had their ways. You took note of how other people raised their kids, even other people you loved, and it seemed all wrong. The culture and practices of one's own family were the only way, for better or worse. Who could say why a family decided to have a certain style, to tell the jokes it did, to put up its particular refrigerator magnets?””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Wife Between Us, Meg Wolitzer, 2018
Parenthood reshapes social bonds, turning friends into outsiders and creating isolated family cultures.
In simple terms: Children change how people relate, making families insular.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and bridge family boundaries.
Themes
family
isolation
social dynamics
parenthood
culture
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
analytical
observational
When to use this quote
- parenting decisions
- friendship changes
- community building
- cultural reflection
Key Concepts
social identity
in‑group/out‑group bias
cultural transmission
Questions to Reflect On
- How does parenthood alter your friendships?
- What can families do to stay open?
A Different Perspective
Families may become overly protective, limiting broader connections.
