---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: What people don't realize is that…"
description: "\"What people don't realize is that intimacy has its conventions as well as ordinary social intercourse. There are three cardinal rules -- don't take som..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/515/w-h-auden-3-36861_drink_what-people-don-t-realize-is-that-intima_857747.jpg"
---

#  What people don't realize is that intimacy has its…

![“What people don't realize is that intimacy has its conventions as well as ordinary social intercourse. There are three cardinal rules -- don't take somebody else's boyfriend unless you've been specifically invited to do so, don't take a drink without being asked, and keep a scrupulous accounting…” quote by W H Auden](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/515/w-h-auden-3-36861_drink_what-people-don-t-realize-is-that-intima_857747.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/515/w-h-auden-3-36861_drink_what-people-don-t-realize-is-that-intima_857747.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/515/w-h-auden-3-36861_drink_what-people-don-t-realize-is-that-intima_857747.jpg)

> “What people don't realize is that intimacy has its conventions as well as ordinary social intercourse. There are three cardinal rules -- don't take somebody else's boyfriend unless you've been specifically invited to do so, don't take a drink without being asked, and keep a scrupulous accounting in financial matters.”

[W H Auden](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/w-h-auden-3/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Points out that intimacy follows social rules, urging respect and transparency in relationships and finances.

**In simple terms:** Intimacy follows social conventions.

Key Takeaway

Respect boundaries and be transparent.

Themes

relationships ethics social norms

Mood

thoughtful serious

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

- dating
- friendship
- workplace collaborations
- family gatherings
- financial planning

Key Concepts

intimacy consent financial honesty

Questions to Reflect On

- How do you balance rules with authenticity?
- When have you navigated a boundary successfully?

A Different Perspective

Strict rules may stifle genuine connection if applied rigidly.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Intimacy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/intimacy/) [Romance](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/romance/)

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