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Acquaintance Quote by Thomas Hardy

“To dance with a man is to concentrate a twelvemonth's regulation fire upon him in the fragment of an hour. To pass to courtship without acquaintance, to pass to marriage without courtship, is a skipping of terms reserved for those alone who tread this royal road.” quote by Thomas Hardy
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“To dance with a man is to concentrate a twelvemonth's regulation fire upon him in the fragment of an hour. To pass to courtship without acquaintance, to pass to marriage without courtship, is a skipping of terms reserved for those alone who tread this royal road.”

Thomas Hardy

About This Quote

Source Novel: Tess of the d'Urbervilles, 1891

Courtship should be gradual, not rushed; intimacy requires time and mutual knowledge.

In simple terms: Love needs time and familiarity.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate patience in romance.

Themes

love courtship patience

Mood

thoughtful romantic

Type

philosophical advice

When to use this quote

  • first dates
  • long‑term relationships
  • marriage decisions

Key Concepts

social norms intimacy relationship dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does patience bring to a relationship?
  • How can you balance desire and respect?
A Different Perspective

Rushing can lead to misunderstandings and loss of depth.

3.6 out of 5 (5 ratings)

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