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How do they do it, the ones who make love without love?…

“How do they do it, the ones who make love without love? How do they come to the come to the come to the God come to the still waters, and not love the one who came there with them, light rising slowly as steam off their joined skin?” quote by Sharon Olds
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““How do they do it, the ones who make love without love? How do they come to the come to the come to the God come to the still waters, and not love the one who came there with them, light rising slowly as steam off their joined skin?””

Sharon Olds

About This Quote

The quote reflects on the paradox of physical intimacy lacking emotional depth, questioning how people can be physically close yet emotionally distant, and yearning for a deeper, shared spiritual connection.

In simple terms: Physical closeness without emotional love feels empty.

Key Takeaway

Seek deeper emotional connection beyond physical intimacy.

Themes

love intimacy spirituality loneliness connection

Mood

melancholy contemplative longing

Type

poetic philosophical

When to use this quote

  • relationships
  • sexual encounters
  • spiritual reflection

Key Concepts

emotional intimacy spiritual yearning human paradox

Questions to Reflect On

  • Can physical intimacy ever replace emotional love?
  • How can we cultivate deeper spiritual connections in relationships?
A Different Perspective

Physical intimacy alone cannot fulfill the human need for emotional and spiritual bonding.

4.3 out of 5 (7 ratings)

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