She respected her husband in the same way as she respected the General Post Office, as something large, secure and fixed: and though she knew the small number of his talents she appreciated his abstract value as a male.

James Joyce
About This Quote

In the world of relationships, there is a myth that men are always trying to impress women with their talents. In reality, women care about the same things as men do. They want their men to be strong and secure. They don’t want them to be a bunch of wimps they can’t control.

In the story above, the husband is a great guy and a great provider. But, his wife is more interested in being with a man who is confident and secure, even if he doesn't have any talent. She knows he has value as a man because he is confident and self-assured.

Source: Dubliners

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