Amy Dickinson Quotes

I think that, on some level, everybody lives vicariously through couples who are getting married.

We are not our best intentions. We are what we do.

You should not propose marriage until you have resolved your feelings about your ex.

Couples who have been together for a long time say the key to staying together is to work as a team toward the greater good, tolerating some tough (even tragic) times to grow together and work toward a mature kind of union.

The ability to break a loved one's heart is the essential contradiction in human relationships.

Have you ever noticed how bored people are also boring?

You cannot tie your fiance to the railroad track of self-reflection and personal improvement.

Groveling for connection from someone who compares you to Hitler is not good for a person's self-esteem.

You should do what you want, but I think you should also consider wanting something different.

If you feel guilty about not "playing nice," then you could easily alleviate your guilt by playing nice.

If you've got a good book with you, you're never bored (or alone).

Life is weird. And guess what makes it weird? People.

Your job in life is to look after yourself and to find ways to get what you need - emotionally and otherwise - so that you live your best possible life, without being mired in anger and hurt over the past.

Weddings and funerals are when you figure out who your real friends are.

You cannot beat the clock. My advice is to grab your moments of grace and enjoy them while they last.

Boredom has an important function, because pushing through it can unleash creativity.

When you are wondering whether to say something negative about someone - even if it is true - the best rule to follow is, "I'll think about doing this tomorrow."

Friends tell the truth to one another. Friends don't slam the door to correction or reflection when it is offered with affection.

Love is an irrational force, making humans do all sorts of strange and wonderful things like write poetry and take up the ukulele.

Climb aboard life's elevator, hit the "up" button, and see where it takes you.

Attraction happens when you feel important, valued, appreciated and wanted.

Do not make your current partner pay for the crimes and misdemeanors of your previous partners.

You must give and receive love only when doing so doesn't hurt others. That's the ethical path, and you should gain strength from walking it.

Single parenthood is hard, but it's simple too. You just do everything yourself.

Unsolicited advice is always self-serving.

[from a reader] Whenever I feel myself resenting someone, I reach out. I have made good friends that way.

When someone repeatedly insists that something isn't true, it increases the likelihood that it is.

"Nags" nag because they feel they aren't being heard.

All promises are empty - until they are fulfilled.

When the choice is between a demanding relationship and a vintage pickup truck, I'll choose the truck every time.

Bullies never want to acknowledge their own actions. They want to move through life without reflection or apology.

You should not be hovering in the background, inflating the drama. Simply envelop him in love and affection and let him know that you will support his efforts, whatever they are.

When you are criticizing someone, you should speak only to your own experience - not others'.

Being inclusive sometimes means being kind toward people whose views are repugnant. But you should only do so if it is physically and emotionally safe for you.

I believe that everyone deserves love, and sometimes looking outside your own culture is a good way to find it.

Marriage is an intimate relationship between two people. It is a bad idea to involve a third party.

[from a reader] I hope she learns to look for the joy in life instead of picking out negatives - it will change her life for the better.

One person gets to decide if something is a problem in a relationship.

If nothing changes, you will have to put your disappointment in perspective.

One of the privileges of adulthood is that your parents don't get to tell you what to do.

Perspective is the enemy of long-lost love.

The fullness of life is incubated in its messy places.

People don't change when they don't acknowledge their actions.

You need to start behaving like the person you want to attract.

Bullies often act out by marshaling aggression to cover up for insecurity.