--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: But if these unavoidable separations…" description: "\"“But if these unavoidable separations cause you a measure of pain, they also increase your longing for her, and perhaps that isn’t a bad thing, you dec..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bd7/paul-auster-351_bad-thing_but-if-these-unavoidable-separations-cau_2398289.jpg" --- # But if these unavoidable separations cause you a measure… ![“But if these unavoidable separations cause you a measure of pain, they also increase your longing for her, and perhaps that isn’t a bad thing, you decide, for you spend your days in the thrall of breathless anticipation, agitated and alert, counting the hours until you can see her and hold her…” quote by Paul Auster](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bd7/paul-auster-351_bad-thing_but-if-these-unavoidable-separations-cau_2398289.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bd7/paul-auster-351_bad-thing_but-if-these-unavoidable-separations-cau_2398289.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bd7/paul-auster-351_bad-thing_but-if-these-unavoidable-separations-cau_2398289.jpg) > ““But if these unavoidable separations cause you a measure of pain, they also increase your longing for her, and perhaps that isn’t a bad thing, you decide, for you spend your days in the thrall of breathless anticipation, agitated and alert, counting the hours until you can see her and hold her again. Intense. That is the word you use to describe yourself now. You are intense. Your feelings are intense. Your life has become increasingly intense.”” [Paul Auster](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paul-auster/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Separation intensifies longing, making anticipation and emotion more vivid and powerful. **In simple terms:** Being apart heightens desire and emotional intensity. Key Takeaway Embrace the intensity as a sign of deep connection. Themes longing anticipation intensity separation emotion Mood reflective passionate thoughtful Type literary philosophical emotional When to use this quote - romantic relationships - long-distance friendships - creative pursuits - personal growth Key Concepts psychology attachment theory human experience Questions to Reflect On - How does longing shape your actions? - What practices help temper intense emotions? 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