Skip to content

Selfish Quote by Virginia Woolf

“Have I never understood you, Katherine? Have I been very selfish?’ 'Yes ... You've asked her for sympathy, and she's not sympathetic; you've wanted her to be practical, and she's not practical.” quote by Virginia Woolf
Download Open image
““Have I never understood you, Katherine? Have I been very selfish?’ 'Yes ... You've asked her for sympathy, and she's not sympathetic; you've wanted her to be practical, and she's not practical.””

Virginia Woolf

About This Quote

Source Novel: Mrs Dalloway, 1925

A character feels misunderstood, desiring practical support but receiving emotional sympathy, highlighting mismatched expectations.

In simple terms: People often expect the wrong kind of help.

Key Takeaway

Align expectations with needs.

Themes

misunderstanding relationships expectations

Mood

reflective thoughtful

Type

literary conversational

When to use this quote

  • friendship
  • therapy
  • teamwork

Key Concepts

psychology communication emotional intelligence

Questions to Reflect On

  • Do you ask for what you truly need?
  • How can you clarify expectations?
A Different Perspective

Practical solutions may ignore emotional needs.

2.6 out of 5 (3 ratings)

More by Virginia Woolf

Explore all 1,872 Virginia Woolf quotes

More Selfish quotes

Browse all 2,822 Selfish quotes