---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: How many husbands and wives,” Merrin…"
description: "\"“How many husbands and wives,” Merrin uttered sadly, “must believe they have fallen out of love because their hearts no longer race at the sight of the..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9eb/william-peter-blatty-6688_dear-god_how-many-husbands-and-wives-merrin-utter_893106.jpg"
---

#  How many husbands and wives,” Merrin uttered sadly, “must…

![“How many husbands and wives,” Merrin uttered sadly, “must believe they have fallen out of love because their hearts no longer race at the sight of their beloveds. Ah, dear God!” He shook his head. And then he nodded. “There it lies, I think, Damien … possession; not in wars, as some tend to…” quote by William Peter Blatty](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9eb/william-peter-blatty-6688_dear-god_how-many-husbands-and-wives-merrin-utter_893106.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9eb/william-peter-blatty-6688_dear-god_how-many-husbands-and-wives-merrin-utter_893106.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9eb/william-peter-blatty-6688_dear-god_how-many-husbands-and-wives-merrin-utter_893106.jpg)

> ““How many husbands and wives,” Merrin uttered sadly, “must believe they have fallen out of love because their hearts no longer race at the sight of their beloveds. Ah, dear God!” He shook his head. And then he nodded. “There it lies, I think, Damien … possession; not in wars, as some tend to believe; not so much; and very rarely in extraordinary interventions such as here … this girl … this poor child. No, I tend to see possession most often in the little things, Damien: in the senseless, petty spites and misunderstandings; the cruel and cutting word that leaps unbidden to the tongue between friends. Between lovers. Between husbands and wives. Enough of these and we have no need of Satan to manage our wars; these we manage for ourselves … for ourselves.””

[William Peter Blatty](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-peter-blatty/)

## About This Quote

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

Possession often manifests in petty conflicts and harsh words, not just grand wars.

**In simple terms:** Small resentments can dominate relationships.

Key Takeaway

Mindful communication prevents unnecessary strife.

Themes

relationships conflict communication human nature

Mood

reflective serious

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

- marriage counseling
- friendship disputes
- family gatherings

Key Concepts

psychology interpersonal dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

- What small habits fuel resentment?
- How can we address petty conflicts constructively?

A Different Perspective

Ignoring minor grievances can escalate into larger problems.

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[Damien Possession](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/damien-possession-1168807/) [Dear god](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/dear-god/) [Husbands And Wives](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/husbands-and-wives/) [Little things](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/little-things/) [Love](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/love/) [Lovers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/lovers/) [Marriage](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/marriage/) [Possession](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/possession/) [Possession Little](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/possession-little-1168808/) [Possession Wars](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/possession-wars-1168809/)

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