Skip to content

Experience Quote by Nathaniel Branden

“Romantic love can be terrifying. We experience another human being as enormously important to us. So there is surrender -not a surrender to the other person so much as to our feeling for the other person. What is the obstacle? The possibility of loss.” quote by Nathaniel Branden
Download Open image
“Romantic love can be terrifying. We experience another human being as enormously important to us. So there is surrender -not a surrender to the other person so much as to our feeling for the other person. What is the obstacle? The possibility of loss.”

Nathaniel Branden

About This Quote

Source Book: The Psychology of Self-Esteem by Nathaniel Branden, 1969

Romantic love feels frightening because we place great importance on another person, leading to surrender to our feelings and fear of loss.

In simple terms: Love feels scary when we value someone deeply and fear losing them.

Key Takeaway

Accept vulnerability and cherish love despite fear.

Themes

love vulnerability fear attachment loss

Mood

intimate reflective

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • dating
  • long‑term relationships
  • marriage counseling
  • personal growth

Key Concepts

psychology self-esteem attachment theory

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does fear shape your relationships?
  • What can you do to balance love and self‑care?
A Different Perspective

Love can also bring joy and growth, not just fear.

4.8 out of 5 (3 ratings)

More by Nathaniel Branden

Explore all 183 Nathaniel Branden quotes

More Experience quotes

Browse all 11,797 Experience quotes