Arundhati Bhattacharya Quotes

I came of age believing that, no matter what happened, I would always be able to support myself.

I believe that being dependent makes you more vulnerable. I believe work is the greatest gift you will ever receive.

I don't think you can really, truly be the partner you want to be until you know on an absolute level that you are a complete person on your own.

Someday, when I manage to finally figure out how to take care of myself, then I'll consider taking care of someone else.

I wanted to be an independent woman, a woman who could pay for her bills, a woman who could run her own life - and I became that woman.

The big things I've had are things I bought myself.

Grow up and let anyone try to contend with the adult you.

I'm worth far too much money. I don't need anybody's money.

In America we tell our parents to bring their child home and put him or her in a crib; as they get older, children sleep in they own room not in Mom and Dad's room. What are we training them for? It's independence, because that's what being empowered is all about.

I love having a boyfriend but need to be secure on my own first.

It took me 36 years to be able to be by myself and like it.

Even as a small child I never felt that I should have to compete with anyone - even my older brother.

I have three girls, and I say the same thing to them. I'm not involved in their careers because I've learned that it's important for them to stand on their own two feet. They'll feel better and prouder of themselves if they do.

You've got to love yourself first. You've got to be okay on your own before you can be okay with somebody else.

I like being independent. I don't think that marriage means you're not independent, but right now I'm very comfortable, and I'm probably the happiest I've ever been. I feel solid. I feel safe.

I think when you get to the point where you don't need to be in love, then you could be in love. You have to just be OK with yourself-and that's a long process.

Do we not realize that self respect comes with self reliance?

If you're trying to raise a son, it gives you a chance to say things like, 'Chop your own wood; it will warm you twice.'

I don't think I really realized what being an adult and being a real grownup was until I was at least twenty-eight.

I was ironing my own clothes when I was 11 years old. My mental strength goes back to those days.

I've learnt to be happy by myself.

Like other parents, I want my children to be comfortable in their adult lives.

I better know how to take care of myself.

I think being independent gives you a different confidence about yourself. It gives you more power, especially in certain relationships.

I'm comfortable in my own skin and surroundings. I don't think I get overshadowed by my husband or his personality.