Affair Quote by Merle Shain
“I'm not sure there can be loving without commitment, although commitment takes all kinds of forms, and there can be commitment for the moment as well as commitment for all time. The kind that is essential for loving marriages - and love affairs, as well - is a commitment to preserving the essential quality of your partner's soul, adding to them as a person rather than taking away.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Art of Loving by Merle Shain, 1975
True love requires commitment to nurturing the partner’s inner self, not just fleeting affection.
In simple terms: Love is about nurturing each other's soul.
Nurture each other's soul.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- marriage
- long‑term partnerships
- friendships
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you show commitment that supports your partner's growth?
- What forms of commitment matter most in your relationships?
Commitment without genuine care can become hollow.