Long time Quote by Olivia Laing
““It began to occur to me that the whole story of love might be nothing more than a wicked lie; that simply sleeping beside another body night after night gives no express right of entry to the interior world of their thoughts or dreams;that we are separate in the end whatever contrary illusions we may cherish; and that this miserable truth might as well be faced, since it will be dinned into one, like it or not by the failings of those we hold dear. I wasn't so bitter now. I'd begun to emerge into a sense of satisfaction with my not, but it would be a long time before I trusted someone, for I'd seen how essentially unknowable even the best loved might prove to be.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The End of Love: A Novel, Olivia Laing, 2023
Love may be an illusion; physical closeness does not guarantee access to another's inner world, leaving us ultimately separate and uncertain.
In simple terms: Love can feel like a lie that keeps us apart.
Key Takeaway
Accept uncertainty and protect your emotional well‑being.
Themes
love
illusion
trust
solitude
Mood
melancholic
reflective
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- romantic relationships
- friendships
- cohabitation
- long‑distance love
Key Concepts
subjectivity
intimacy
existentialism
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance intimacy with personal boundaries?
- What does trust look like after betrayal?
A Different Perspective
Close bonds can still be fragile and misunderstood.
