Ralph Waldo Emerson Quotes

My love affair with (him) had a wonderful element of romance to it, which I will always cherish. But it was not an infatuation, and here’s how I can tell: because I did not demand that he become my Great Emancipator or my Source of All Life, nor did I immediately vanish into that man’s chest cavity like a twisted, unrecognizable, parasitical homonculus. During our long period of courtship, I remained intact within my own personality, and I allowed myself to meet (him) for who he was.

I think marriage is dangerous. The idea of two people trying to possess each other is wrong. I don't think the flare of love lasts. Your mind rather than your emotions must answer for the success of matrimony. It must be friendship - a calm companionship which can last through the years.

Depth of friendship does not depend on length of acquaintance.

Every relationship you have, you're learning and growing and taking something from that.

I don't even have a type, I don't think. My type is just whoever can get along with me.

I don't know that I appreciate things more because of how I grew up, but I am very realistic with what I expect out of people and what they expect out of me.

Friendship without self-interest is one of the rare and beautiful things of life.

There aren't really many compliments flying around with me and my friends. It's a lot of tough love. But you know, that love is there, and if you need to have a serious conversation, you just gotta wait for the right time to do it.

Ask others about themselves, at the same time, be on guard not to talk too much about yourself.

Sometimes you can make friends, and sometimes you can take friends. Sometimes people want to be friends with you, and you gotta be like, 'Okay, I can deal with this person's personality and be their friend, but not necessarily do I have to change who I am. I'm not gonna change myself to be their friend.'

Every friendship goes through ups and downs. Dysfunctional patterns set in; external situations cause internal friction; you grow apart and then bounce back together.

I like people to match my energy.

I'm loyal, and I like my friends. Friendship enriches your life and makes it more interesting.

I've never believed much in that holding hands kind of love. I've always thought that love is about two different personalities trying to confront life, trying to make sense of their responsibilities, to themselves, to each other, and to the wider society.

We're quite volatile as individuals, but that doesn't work exponentially when we are together. Relationships are about eating humble pie.

When friends stop being frank and useful to each other, the whole world loses some of its radiance.

I don't have time for superficial friends. I suppose if you're really lonely you can call a superficial friend, but otherwise, what's the point?

I hate the giving of the hand unless the whole man accompanies it.

We all have an idea of how we like to be treated that we would like others to adhere to, and somehow we've gotten in our heads that the perfect person for us will just know what this code of behavior is.

Whenever I'm talking about relationships, it's always at least three things. It's my relationship with myself, my relationship with God or an idea, and then usually somebody, a real person. I try to operate on all three levels at the same time, and it's difficult, but I never want to have a break-up song or something like that.

No, I never surround myself with people I hate.

My experience of what a loving relationship is like rings true with a lot of people I meet. I have a theory that the people you meet, one way you choose them, is their suitability for you in that particular matter. Attitudes toward friendship and marriage are in many cases closely aligned.

It is very important to have deep friendships of the opposite sex to learn so much about yourself and what you need as a human.

A relationship should be based on friendship. I remember somebody telling me that when I was younger and I just thought, you know, stupid people, with that rubbish. But now I see that that is so important.

Ask yourself if you would feel comfortable giving your two best friends a key to your house. If not, look for some new best friends.