Underwear Quote by Shirley Ann Grau
““There was only one thing that did, as far as I remember. That was underwear. Everybody in that house always had new or almost-new and very fancy underwear. She kept careful check. “Now, honey,” she explained to me, “if you were walking downtown and you were run over by a truck and they took you to the hospital and they saw that your panties were all torn and ragged and your slip was pinned at the shoulder by a safety, you’d be so ashamed you’d have to die.” “And just think how people would talk after,” I tried to joke with her. She didn’t see it. “And think of that,” she said seriously. “Yes, indeed.””
About This Quote
Source Short Story: “The Children’s Home”, 1975
Obsessive focus on appearance can cause extreme shame and social anxiety.
In simple terms: Fixation on clothing leads to deep embarrassment.
Key Takeaway
Avoid letting material concerns dominate self‑worth.
Themes
shame
materialism
anxiety
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
psychological
social
When to use this quote
- dating
- workplace attire
- public speaking
- family gatherings
Key Concepts
identity
social pressure
body image
Questions to Reflect On
- How does appearance affect your confidence?
- When does concern become harmful?
A Different Perspective
Not all concerns about clothing are pathological; context matters.
