“I think one of the basic reasons men make good friends is that they can make up their minds quickly.”
- June 1, 1926 – August 5, 1962
- American
- Actress, Singer, Model, Pop Culture Icon
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Quote
“I think one of the basic reasons men make good friends is that they can make up their minds quickly.”
Explanation
In this quote, Marilyn Monroe reflects on what she perceives as a defining quality in male friendship: decisiveness. She praises men for being able to “make up their minds quickly,” suggesting that she values clarity, directness, and resolve in personal relationships. Her observation may come from experiences where male friends offered straightforwardness, contrasting with more emotionally layered or hesitant interactions she may have encountered elsewhere.
The remark also hints at a longing for simplicity and dependability in her social world. For Monroe, whose life was filled with emotional complexity, public scrutiny, and shifting allegiances, friendships that offered immediate clarity and action likely felt grounding. This preference for decisiveness reflects her need for stability and emotional honesty, especially in a world where ambiguity could often mask manipulation or disloyalty.
Today, her insight can be seen as part of a broader conversation about communication styles and emotional expression across genders. While not universally true, Monroe’s comment draws attention to the qualities that make someone a reliable and comforting friend, regardless of gender—traits like decisiveness, loyalty, and emotional clarity. It encourages us to consider how different people bring unique strengths to friendships, and how those traits meet our individual emotional needs.
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