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Bulletproof vest Quote by Peter Craig

“Just for future reference, don't use words like "love" anymore. It's a very sensitive word and it wears out quickly. Romeo barely says it, but John Hinckley filled up a whole journal with it. To put it into your terms, it's a currency that's easily devalued. Pretty soon you're saying it whenever…” quote by Peter Craig
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““Just for future reference, don't use words like "love" anymore. It's a very sensitive word and it wears out quickly. Romeo barely says it, but John Hinckley filled up a whole journal with it. To put it into your terms, it's a currency that's easily devalued. Pretty soon you're saying it whenever you hang up the phone or whenever you leave. It turns into an apology. Then it's an excuse. Some assholes want it to be a bulletproof vest: don't hate me; I love you. But mostly it just means--more. More, more--give me something more. A couple of years from now, when you're on your own completely, if you really fall in love, if it really comes to that--and I pity you if it does--you have to look right down into the black of her eyes, right down into the emptiness in there and feel everything, absolutely everything she needs and you have to be willing to drown in it, Kevin. You'd have to want to be crushed, buried alive. Because that's what real love feels like--choking. They used to bury some women in their wedding dresses, you know. I thought it was because all those husbands were too cheap to spring for another gown, but now it makes sense: love is your first foot in the grave. That's why the second most abused word is "forever".””

Peter Craig

About This Quote

Source Novel: Unknown, 2020

Love is treated as a cheap, overused promise that loses meaning, leading to emptiness and desperation.

In simple terms: Overused love words become hollow.

Key Takeaway

Use words sparingly and authentically.

Themes

love language authenticity desperation

Mood

cautionary reflective

Type

philosophical warning

When to use this quote

  • relationships
  • personal boundaries
  • self‑care

Key Concepts

semantic devaluation emotional manipulation psychology of affection

Questions to Reflect On

  • When does expressing love become harmful?
  • How can we protect emotional sincerity?
A Different Perspective

May overlook healthy expressions of love.

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