Heart Quote by Robin McKinley
“...there remained a strange formality between them, and her pleasure in his presence felt too much like missing him had felt during the last week.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Blue Sword, 1982
A lingering formal distance masks deep longing, making the pleasure of presence feel like a painful memory of absence.
In simple terms: Formal distance hides deep longing.
Key Takeaway
Acknowledge hidden emotions.
Themes
love
longing
formality
memory
Mood
melancholic
thoughtful
Type
literary
romantic
When to use this quote
- relationship counseling
- creative writing
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
emotional intimacy
unspoken desire
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How does formality affect intimacy?
- What can reveal true feelings?
A Different Perspective
Formalities can prevent genuine connection.
![“No matter that they had been together for years, always a feeling of formality when they first saw each other again, even if the separation had been only hours. It had something to do with the attention [he] paid to her – the fact that he never took anyone’s return for granted.” quote by Tatjana Soli](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ebc/tatjana-soli-16563_appreciation_no-matter-that-they-had-been-together-fo_555270.jpg)
![“[the sheep] sidled up beside him and bumped him lovingly with its head. Val looked at it sadly. "I am sorry, you ugly creature," he said. "I have not used my magic in a long time, and I am very out of practice.” quote by Robin McKinley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/21b/robin-mckinley-1591_humor_the-sheep-sidled-up-beside-him-and-bumpe_182306.jpg)
