Anxiety Quote by T. B. H. Stenhouse
“I discovered several never-failing signs by which one might know when a man wished to take another wife. He would suddenly 'awaken to a sense of his duties'; he would have serious misgiving as to whether the Lord would pardon his neglect in not living up to his privileges; he would become very religious, and would attend to his meetings ... which seemed just then to be very numerous, and in various other ways he would show his anxiety to live up to his religion.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende, 1982
A man shows anxiety for a second marriage by over‑compensating with piety and duty, masking his true motives.
In simple terms: He hides his intentions with religious fervor.
Key Takeaway
Watch for over‑religious behavior as a possible red flag.
Themes
marriage
infidelity
religion
psychology
Mood
skeptical
observant
Type
cautionary
analytical
When to use this quote
- family gatherings
- marriage counseling
- community events
Key Concepts
self‑deception
social signaling
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you differentiate genuine devotion from manipulation?
- What other subtle cues might reveal true intentions?
A Different Perspective
Such signs can be misinterpreted; not all pious people have hidden motives.
