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Communication Quote by Norman Mailer

“And in the complicated, relished, introspective web of young lovers, or more exactly, young petters, they progress along the oldest channel in the world and the most deceptive, for they are certain it is unique to them. Even as they are calling themselves engaged, they are losing the details of…” quote by Norman Mailer
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““And in the complicated, relished, introspective web of young lovers, or more exactly, young petters, they progress along the oldest channel in the world and the most deceptive, for they are certain it is unique to them. Even as they are calling themselves engaged, they are losing the details of their subtle involved pledging of a troth. They are moved and warmed by intimacies between them, by long husky conversations in the parlor, in inexpensive restaurants, by the murmurs, the holding of hands in the dark velvet caverns of movie houses. They forget most of the things that have advanced them into love, feel now only the effect of them. And of course their conversation alters, new themes are bruited. Shy sensitive girls may end up as poetesses or they may turn bitter and drink alone in bars, but nice shy sensitive Jewish girls usually marry and have children, gain two pounds a year, and worry more about refurbishing hats and trying a new casserole than about the meaning of life. After their engagement, Natalie talks over their prospects.””

Norman Mailer

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Armies of the Night, 1968 (paraphrased excerpt)

Young lovers believe their relationship is uniquely profound, but common patterns of intimacy and eventual domesticity reveal shared human experiences.

In simple terms: Love feels unique but follows familiar paths.

Key Takeaway

Recognize universal patterns in relationships.

Themes

love intimacy identity society gender

Mood

introspective critical

Type

literary observational

When to use this quote

  • dating
  • marriage counseling
  • relationship education

Key Concepts

psychology sociology literature

Questions to Reflect On

  • Do we romanticize our own relationships?
  • How do cultural expectations shape love?
A Different Perspective

Idealizing uniqueness can blind partners to growth.

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