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Gains Quote by Robertson Davies

“The women we really love are the women who complete us, who have the qualities we can borrow and so become something nearer to whole men. Just as we complete them, of course; it’s not a one-way thing. Leola and I, when romance was stripped away, were too much alike; our strengths and weaknesses…” quote by Robertson Davies
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“The women we really love are the women who complete us, who have the qualities we can borrow and so become something nearer to whole men. Just as we complete them, of course; it’s not a one-way thing. Leola and I, when romance was stripped away, were too much alike; our strengths and weaknesses were too nearly the same. Together we would have doubled our gains and our losses, but that isn’t what love is.”

Robertson Davies

About This Quote

Source Novel: Fifth Business by Robertson Davies, 1970

Love involves mutual complementation, not one-sided dependence; partners share strengths and weaknesses to become whole.

In simple terms: Partners help each other become more complete.

Key Takeaway

Seek balanced, reciprocal relationships.

Themes

love relationships self‑growth complementarity

Mood

reflective hopeful intimate

Type

literary psychological

When to use this quote

  • marriage
  • friendship
  • team projects
  • personal development

Key Concepts

mutual dependence identity formation psychological integration

Questions to Reflect On

  • What qualities do you bring to a partnership?
  • How can you support a partner without losing yourself?
A Different Perspective

One‑sided love can hinder growth.

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