I know women are taught by other women that they must never admit the full truth to a man. But the highest form of affection is based on full sincerity on both sides. Not being men, these women don't know that in looking back on those he has had tender relations with, a man's heart returns closest to her who was the soul of truth in her conduct. The better class of man, even if caught by airy affectations of dodging and parrying, is not retained by them. A Nemesis attends the woman who plays the game of elusiveness too often, in the utter contempt for her that, sooner or later, her old admirers feel; under which they allow her to go unlamented to her grave. Thomas Hardy
About This Quote

At the time of this writing, the concept of women not being able to be real with men is still very much in play. As a woman, I am here to say that it is not that women are unable to be real with you, it is that they do not want to be. Women are not taught by other women that they must never admit the full truth to a man. Thank God, I’ve never been taught that!! So I can speak out loud and loud about how I feel without fear of rejection or criticism.

However, I live in a world of constant rejection and criticism. Men are taught by their fathers and brothers that they must never admit the full truth to a woman. This has become so ingrained in our culture today that many men will find it difficult to accept that women are not being held back by these ideals.

Thank God I have never been taught this!! A man’s heart returns closest to her who was the soul of truth in her conduct. The better class of man, even if caught by airy affectations of dodging and parrying, is not retained by them. A woman who has lived with him for years will know if he has hidden his true feelings from her or lied about them.

She will know if he speaks too often of others or hides his feelings under an airy affectation of dodging and parrying. My message today is simple: Women are not held back by our culture’s ideals! We are free to be real with you!

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  1. Love is a possible strength in an actual weakness.
  2. At first I did not love you, Jude; that I own. When I first knew you I merely wanted you to love me. I did not exactly flirt with you; but that inborn craving which undermines some women's morals almost more than unbridled passion--the craving...
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