I hate solitude, but I'm afraid of intimacy. The substance of my life is a private conversation with myself which to turn into a dialogue would be equivalent to self-destruction. The company which I need is the company which a pub or a cafe will provide. I have never wanted a communion of souls. It's already hard enough to tell the truth to oneself.

πŸ“– Iris Murdoch

🌍 Irish  |  πŸ‘¨β€πŸ’Ό Author

πŸŽ‚ July 15, 1919  β€“  ⚰️ February 8, 1999
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The speaker expresses a deep conflict regarding solitude and intimacy, revealing a profound discomfort with close relationships. While they dislike being alone, they also fear the vulnerability and exposure that comes with intimacy. This tension suggests a complex emotional state where the person feels that engaging fully with others might lead to a loss of self or an overwhelming risk of self-destruction.

The individual finds solace in casual social environments, like pubs or cafes, rather than seeking deep connections with others. This preference highlights a struggle to communicate honestly, even with themselves, and indicates that they perceive genuine relationships as daunting. The fear of revealing their inner self complicates their desire for companionship, making it challenging to bridge the gap between solitude and intimacy.

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March 09, 2025

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