--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I used to think romantic love was a…" description: "\"I used to think romantic love was a neurosis shared by two, a supreme foolishness. I no longer think that. There's nothing foolish in loving anyone. Th..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/dcc/rita-mae-brown-1111_foolish_i-used-to-think-romantic-love-was-a-neur_177916.png" --- # I used to think romantic love was a neurosis shared by… ![“I used to think romantic love was a neurosis shared by two, a supreme foolishness. I no longer think that. There's nothing foolish in loving anyone. Thinking you'll be loved in return is what's foolish.” quote by Rita Mae Brown](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/dcc/rita-mae-brown-1111_foolish_i-used-to-think-romantic-love-was-a-neur_177916.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/dcc/rita-mae-brown-1111_foolish_i-used-to-think-romantic-love-was-a-neur_177916.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/dcc/rita-mae-brown-1111_foolish_i-used-to-think-romantic-love-was-a-neur_177916.png) > “I used to think romantic love was a neurosis shared by two, a supreme foolishness. I no longer think that. There's nothing foolish in loving anyone. Thinking you'll be loved in return is what's foolish.” [Rita Mae Brown](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rita-mae-brown/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The speaker shifts from viewing romantic love as a shared neurosis to recognizing that loving without expectation is rational, while expecting love in return is the true folly. **In simple terms:** Loving without expecting love is sensible; expecting love is foolish. Key Takeaway Love freely, let go of expectations. Themes love expectations relationships self‑growth Mood reflective hopeful Type advice inspirational When to use this quote - dating - friendships - family relationships - personal healing Key Concepts psychology emotional intelligence Questions to Reflect On - How do you practice unconditional love? - What fears underlie your expectations of love? A Different Perspective Expecting reciprocity can cause disappointment. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Foolishness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/foolishness/) [Love](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/love/) [Neurosis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/neurosis/) [Romantic love](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/romantic-love/) [Thinking](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/thinking/) ## Related quotes > [Even actresses that you really admire, like Reese Witherspoon, you think, 'Another romantic comedy?' 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