Adulthood Quote by Stephanie Dowrick
![“[...] the responsibility for their wellbeing and for the fundamental meaning they give to their own life must, in adulthood, be theirs. To accept the burden that someone 'can't live without you' is unrealistic. It infantilises that person and overburdens you. p.226” quote by Stephanie Dowrick](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/405/stephanie-dowrick-28632_health_the-responsibility-for-their-wellbeing-a_162017.jpg)
““[...] the responsibility for their wellbeing and for the fundamental meaning they give to their own life must, in adulthood, be theirs. To accept the burden that someone 'can't live without you' is unrealistic. It infantilises that person and overburdens you. p.226””
About This Quote
Adults must own their own purpose and wellbeing; relying on others for essential meaning is unrealistic and burdensome.
In simple terms: Take responsibility for your own life meaning.
Key Takeaway
Own your purpose; avoid over‑reliance.
Themes
responsibility
adulthood
self‑determination
boundaries
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
advice
When to use this quote
- career decisions
- relationships
- mental health
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
existentialism
psychology
personal growth
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance caring for others with maintaining your own autonomy?
- What steps can you take to define your personal meaning?
A Different Perspective
It can be hard to accept that others may need support without becoming codependent.
![“[...] as I have seen with other people whose sense of their work is vocational rather than pragmatic, my desire to write, to understand things at a depth I can reach in no other way, pushes me to write and go on writing, even when my wants—for an easier or more sociable life, or one less exposed…” quote by Stephanie Dowrick](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/317/stephanie-dowrick-28632_life_as-i-have-seen-with-other-people-whose-s_271176.jpg)
