Mouth Quote by Richard Yates
““She quickly took a drink to hide her mouth. That mannerism had never changed: whenever Sarah was embarrassed, after she'd told a joke and was waiting for the laughter, or when she was afraid she'd talked too much, she would go for her mouth as if to cover nakedness - with Cokes or popsicles as a child, with drinks or cigarettes now. Maybe all the years of splayed, protruding teeth, and then of braces, had made her mouth the most vulnerable part of her for life.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Accidental Tourist by Anne Tyler, 1985
Sarah hides her embarrassment by covering her mouth with drinks, a habit formed from childhood insecurities about her teeth.
In simple terms: She masks vulnerability with a physical gesture.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and address underlying insecurities.
Themes
embarrassment
self‑image
habit
vulnerability
coping
Mood
anxious
reflective
Type
narrative
psychological
When to use this quote
- social gatherings
- public speaking
- dating
- stressful meetings
Key Concepts
psychology
social behavior
self‑esteem
Questions to Reflect On
- What does covering your mouth reveal about your self‑perception?
- How can you confront vulnerability without distraction?
A Different Perspective
Habit may mask deeper issues needing emotional work.
![“A hasty dog always burns his mouth. [192]” quote by Sol T. Plaatje](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/90f/sol-t-plaatje-18648_dog_a-hasty-dog-always-burns-his-mouth-192-5_5096.jpg)
