In Stephen King's novel "Dolores Claiborne," the protagonist captures a complex relationship with conflict and opposition. The quote, "I'm not making an enemy; I'm keepin' one," reflects a mindset of maintaining boundaries and asserting one's position against those who threaten or challenge one's values. It signals a deliberate choice to acknowledge adversarial forces rather than attempting to appease or eliminate them.

This perspective reveals a deeper psychological strategy where the recognition of an enemy can strengthen one's resolve. Dolores embraces her struggles and instead of viewing them as a burden, she uses them as motivation to persevere. This sentiment resonates with readers, illustrating the strength found in resilience and the acceptance of confrontation as a necessary part of life.