“The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” is a compelling novel written by Taylor Jenkins Reid. The story explores the life of a fictional Hollywood actress named Evelyn Hugo, who navigates the complexities of fame, love, identity, and the human condition. Here are 35 inspiring quotes from this captivating book, each offering a unique perspective on life’s intricacies.
1. “People think that intimacy is about sex. But intimacy is about truth.”
In the realm of relationships, Evelyn Hugo brings forth the idea that intimacy goes beyond physical closeness. It dives into the depths of honesty and vulnerability that exist in shared truths. Through this lens, we can begin to understand the profound connection that comes from being truly known and accepted by another person.
2. “Never let anyone make you feel ordinary.”
This quote is a powerful reminder of our intrinsic value. Every individual is unique, holding a special place in the world. We should never allow anyone to belittle our worth or make us feel insignificant.
3. “You do not know how fast you have been running, how hard you have been working, how truly exhausted you are, until someone stands behind you and says, ‘It’s OK, you can fall down now. I’ll catch you.’
Many of us are working tirelessly, often feeling alone in our struggles. This quote underscores the importance of support and reassurance. It’s a comforting reminder that it’s okay to rely on others; we don’t always have to be strong.
4. “When you’re given an opportunity to change your life, be ready to do whatever it takes to make it happen. The world doesn’t give things, you take things.”
Assertiveness and determination. Opportunities are rarely handed to us on a silver platter; we must seize them and do whatever it takes to make our dreams come true.
5. “It’s always been fascinating to me how things can be simultaneously true and false, how people can be good and bad all in one, how someone can love you in a way that is beautifully selfless while serving themselves ruthlessly.”
Life is full of paradoxes, and this quote captures that perfectly. It reflects on the complexity of human nature and the dualities within us all. It’s a call to accept and understand these contradictions in others and ourselves.
6. “You have to be a little bit in love with your leading man and vice versa. If you’re going to portray love, you have to feel it. You can’t fake it.”
Evelyn’s insight into her acting career also applies to life in general. Genuine emotion can’t be faked. To truly experience love, joy, or passion, we must let ourselves genuinely feel these emotions.
7. “Sometimes reality comes crashing down on you. Other times reality simply waits, patiently, for you to run out of the energy it takes to deny it.”
Life’s realities can be harsh and unyielding. This quote reminds us that we can’t escape or deny them forever. Eventually, we must face them and deal with the consequences. It’s a call to face life’s challenges head-on, with courage and resilience.
8. “Age is just a number. It’s totally irrelevant unless, of course, you happen to be a bottle of wine.”
The irrelevance of age in determining our worth or abilities. Like a good wine, we get better with age, gaining wisdom and experience that enhance our lives.
9. “It’s not love or anything, but I think I like you a little bit.”
A gentle nod to the start of something new, the spark of potential affection. It’s a reminder that love often begins in small, uncertain moments.
10. “You can be sorry about the truth, but you can’t change it.”
A stark reminder that truth, once revealed, is immutable. We can regret it, but we can’t alter it. It encourages acceptance and the courage to move forward.
11. “When you leave, I will not think of you.”
A testament to resilience and the will to move on. It speaks of the strength in letting go, and the ability to leave the past behind and look towards the future.
12. “I’m under no obligation to make sense to you.”
The importance of personal truth. We don’t always need to justify our actions or thoughts to others. It’s enough that they make sense to us.
13. “In the future…if by some miracle you ever find yourself inthe position to fall in love again… fall in love with me.”
The longing and hope that comes with unrequited love. It’s a heartfelt plea for a second chance, a hope for the future.
14. “It’s always been you.”
Love and the indelible imprint it leaves on our hearts. It’s a reminder of love’s enduring nature, even in the face of time and change.
15. “He was a good man. And I was a good woman. We just weren’t good for each other.”
This quote highlights the complexities of compatibility. It’s not always about being a good person, but about being the right person for someone else. It’s a reminder that not every relationship is meant to be, and that’s okay.
16. “I think you’re a man who can’t ever be what he wants to be.”
A reflection on the struggle of identity and the societal constructs that limit us. It’s a call to challenge these constraints and to be true to who we are.
17. “I want more than this. I want everything.”
The desire for more than just the mundane. It’s a reminder to aim high, to desire and strive for everything life has to offer.
18. “I have loved you every second of every day since the day we met.”
A testament to the enduring power of love. It’s a declaration that love, once ignited, continues to burn brightly, regardless of the passing of time.
19. “I’m not a good person. I own that.”
A powerful admission of self-awareness. It’s a reminder that acknowledging our flaws is the first step toward self-improvement.
20. “Money, I’ve learned, is the most intoxicating freedom.”
The liberating power of financial independence. It’s a reminder that money, while not the source of happiness, can provide a certain degree of freedom and autonomy.
21. “I know that I’m not supposed to say this. I know that it’s possibly wrong, but I’m in love with you.”
This quote speaks to the complexities of forbidden love. It’s a reminder that love does not always adhere to societal norms and expectations.
22. “I am not the villain in this story.”
A defiance against being typecast or misunderstood. It’s a reminder that we are the authors of our own narratives and that no one else can define us.
23. “I have been the most loved and the most hated woman in America.”
The highs and lows of public life. It’s a reminder that popularity is fleeting and that we should focus on being true to ourselves, regardless of public opinion.
24. “I have regrets, but I can’t take anything back.”
The inevitability of mistakes and the importance of learning from them. It’s a reminder that while we can’t change our past, we can always shape our future.
25. “I realized that I would never be enough for you. I could never change enough for you.”
Touching on the pain of unfulfilled love. It’s a reminder that we should never compromise our true selves for the sake of someone else’s approval.
26. “You’re the love of my life, whether you’re with me or not.”
The enduring power of love, even when separated by distance or circumstances. It’s a reminder that true love withstands time and space.
27. “I’m more than just my beauty.”
A powerful affirmation of self-worth beyond physical appearance. It’s a reminder that our value lies in our character, our actions, and our impact on others.
28. “You don’t understand. You’re my whole heart.”
The intensity of love and the profound impact it can have on us. It’s a reminder of how deeply we can feel for someone else.
29. “I’d rather be hated for who I am, than loved for who I’m not.”
The importance of authenticity over conformity. It’s a call to be true to ourselves, even if it means facing criticism or rejection.
30. “You do not know how fast you have been running, how hard you have been working, how truly exhausted you are, until someone stands behind you and says, ‘It’s OK, you can fall down now. I’ll catch you.’”
When someone offers us a safe space to be vulnerable, we can truly recognize our own exhaustion and allow ourselves to rest. It encourages us to seek support when needed, and to equally be someone else’s safe place when they need it.
31. “I’m under absolutely no obligation to make sense to you.”
Evelyn’s defiant proclamation underscores the importance of self-sovereignty. We don’t owe anyone an explanation for our actions or decisions, especially when they don’t understand our motivations or circumstances. This quote serves as a reminder to be unapologetically ourselves.
32. “Don’t ignore half of me so you can fit me into a box. Don’t do that.”
Evelyn Hugo’s plea resonates with anyone who has ever felt misunderstood or compartmentalized. It’s a call to respect the full spectrum of someone’s identity, acknowledging that we are all complex beings with myriad facets. We should strive to see and accept people in their entirety.
33. “You can’t be in love with someone you don’t know.”
Evelyn Hugo’s take on love reminds us of the importance of truly knowing someone before claiming to love them. Love is more than just an emotion; it’s an intimate understanding of another person’s soul.
34. “It’s not love if you’re not willing to make yourself vulnerable.”
This profound statement invites us to embrace vulnerability in love. It’s a call to open our hearts and risk pain for the chance of experiencing deep, genuine love. It’s a testament to the bravery that love often requires.
35. “You should not have to convince anyone to love you.”
A stark reminder that love should be freely given and received, not coerced or bargained for. It underscores the importance of self-worth and respect in relationships, encouraging us to only accept love that comes unconditionally.