“We are afraid to care too much, for fear that the other person does not care at all.”
- October 11, 1884 – November 7, 1962
- American
- First Lady of the United States, Diplomat, Human Rights Advocate, Chair of the UN Human Rights Commission
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Quote
“We are afraid to care too much, for fear that the other person does not care at all.”
Explanation
In this quote, Eleanor Roosevelt articulates a common emotional vulnerability: the fear of unreciprocated care. She highlights a deep human hesitation—that our sincerity and emotional investment might not be returned, leaving us exposed to rejection or disappointment. This fear often leads people to withhold affection or empathy, even when their hearts urge them otherwise.
Roosevelt, known for her emotional insight as well as her public leadership, understood that authentic relationships require risk. Her words reflect a truth about human connection: the fear of caring too much can become a barrier to real intimacy and growth. While the risk of emotional pain is real, the cost of emotional guardedness is often greater—disconnection, loneliness, and missed opportunities for closeness.
In today’s world, where vulnerability is frequently masked by irony or indifference, this quote remains especially poignant. Roosevelt reminds us that to truly live and connect, we must be willing to care deeply—even without guarantees. It is only through that courage that genuine relationships, empathy, and love can take root.
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