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Mean Quote by Truman Capote

“You know those days when you've got the means reds?’ ‘Same as the blues?’ ‘No,’ she said slowly. ‘No, the blues are because you’re getting fat or maybe it’s been raining too long. You’re sad that’s all. But the mean reds are horrible. You’re afraid, and you sweat like hell, but you don’t know what…” quote by Truman Capote
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““You know those days when you've got the means reds?’ ‘Same as the blues?’ ‘No,’ she said slowly. ‘No, the blues are because you’re getting fat or maybe it’s been raining too long. You’re sad that’s all. But the mean reds are horrible. You’re afraid, and you sweat like hell, but you don’t know what you’re afraid of. Except something bad is going to happen, only you don’t know what it is. You’ve had that feeling?’ ‘Quite often. Some people call it angst .’ ‘All right. Angst . But what do you do about it?’ ‘Well, a drink helps.’ ‘I’ve tried that. I’ve tried aspirin, too. Rusty thinks I should smoke marijuana, and I did for a while, but it only makes me giggle. What I’ve found does the most good is to just get into a taxi and go to Tiffany’s. It calms me down right away, the quietness and the proud look of it; nothing very bad could happen to you there, not with those kind men in their nice suits, and that lovely smell of silver and alligator wallets. If I could find a real-life place that made me feel like Tiffany’s, then I’d buy some furniture and give the cat a name.””

Truman Capote

About This Quote

Source Interview: The Art of Fiction, 1975

Emotional turmoil often lacks a clear source; people seek quick fixes, but true relief comes from confronting the underlying anxiety and finding safe, grounding spaces.

In simple terms: Angst is vague fear; coping needs deeper work.

Key Takeaway

Identify triggers and seek healthy grounding.

Themes

mental health coping anxiety

Mood

introspective hopeful

Type

advice self‑help

When to use this quote

  • therapy sessions
  • mindful walks
  • creative hobbies
  • quiet cafés

Key Concepts

psychology self‑care distraction techniques

Questions to Reflect On

  • What safe space helps you feel grounded?
  • What underlying fear might you be avoiding?
A Different Perspective

Quick fixes may mask but not resolve the root cause.

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