Whenever an occasion arose in which she needed an opinion on something in the wider world, she borrowed her husband's. If this had been all there was to her, she wouldn't have bothered anyone, but as is so often the case with such women, she suffered from an incurable case of of pretentiousness. Lacking any internalized values of her own, such people can arrive at a standpoint only by adopting other people's standards or views. The only principle that governs their minds is the question How do I look?
The passage highlights a woman's reliance on her husband's opinions whenever she encounters situations that require her own judgment. This dependency is not merely practical; it reflects a deeper issue of self-identity and authenticity. Instead of developing her own perspectives, she mimics others, suggesting a lack of internal belief systems.
Furthermore, the text points to a broader observation about certain personalities who grapple with pretentiousness. Their primary concern revolves around external validation and appearance rather than fostering genuine convictions. This dynamic ultimately restricts their ability to form independent thoughts, limiting their personal growth and authenticity.