Dads Quote by Tao Lin
““I won,” said Chelsea’s dad, and went to give Chelsea a high-five, but missed, as they were standing too close. “My fault,” he said. “That was my fault.” “Oh,” Chelsea said. And he stepped back a little and tried again, but Chelsea, distracted now by something—maybe the plant in the far corner, standing and waiting like a person in a dream; or maybe the green shoe or some other thing that was out there and longing, to be looked at, and taken—wasn’t ready, and their hands, his then hers, passed through the air in a kind of wave, a little goodbye.””
About This Quote
Source Short story: “The High Five” by Tao Lin, 2015
A missed connection illustrates how timing and attention affect relationships, turning a simple gesture into a poignant moment of distance and longing.
In simple terms: Missing timing can turn simple gestures into missed connections.
Key Takeaway
Be present and attentive in interactions.
Themes
communication
timing
presence
relationships
Mood
reflective
melancholic
thoughtful
Type
narrative
philosophical
When to use this quote
- family moments
- social interactions
- daily life
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
mindfulness
human connection
misunderstanding
Questions to Reflect On
- How does attention shape our interactions?
- What can we learn from small missed gestures?
A Different Perspective
Even with good intentions, lack of focus can cause missed opportunities.
