Hard Love Love Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #7

"I'm not lying next to you and I never will. There was a night we needed more than affection, though neither would admit it. To tell the truth it couldn't matter less who wears the pants or the dress, but only who becomes visible to whom. You saw me truly, and I saw all you let me; I'm not lying now, and I hope I never will." (15.74)

Isn't that what love is? It's not all grand gestures and red roses. Sometimes, it's just about opening up a part of yourself that no one else gets to see. For John, that's more than he can say about anyone else in his life, which is what makes Marisol so special.

Quote #8

"Love is never wasted, even when it's hard love. Yes it's hard love, but it's love all the same, not the stuff of fantasy but more than just a game. And the only kind of miracle that's worthy of the name, for the love that heals our lives is mostly hard love." (16.44)

The song Diana sings is for John, and it's also the title of the book, so we know it's important. Check out the first line: "Love is never wasted." We might think John will swear off love given all he's been through, but here, we see that it's still worth it, even when it breaks your heart.

Quote #9

The love that heals our lives. While everybody was applauding Diana and whooping and yelling for another song, that one line kept circling back through my head. I didn't feel healed—I felt destroyed—and still I knew it was true. I slipped away from the group quietly, without a plan, but as soon as I realized I was headed for the office, I knew what I was going to do. (16.46)

As John lets the words of the song sink in, he realizes that despite how he's feeling in the moment (destroyed), he's been healed by love. He's no longer afraid of letting people in, or scared about what might happen if he does. He's finally willing to have friends and love.