“I remember when I was in high school I didn’t have a new dress for each special occasion. The girls would bring the fact to my attention, not always too delicately. The boys, however, never bothered with the subject. They were my friends, not because of the size of my wardrobe but because they liked me.”
- June 1, 1926 – August 5, 1962
- American
- Actress, Singer, Model, Pop Culture Icon
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Quote
“I remember when I was in high school I didn’t have a new dress for each special occasion. The girls would bring the fact to my attention, not always too delicately. The boys, however, never bothered with the subject. They were my friends, not because of the size of my wardrobe but because they liked me.”
Explanation
In this reflective and heartfelt quote, Marilyn Monroe recalls a formative experience of social insecurity and class-based judgment during her high school years. Lacking new dresses for special events, she became the target of criticism—particularly from other girls, whose remarks were “not always too delicately” made. This highlights how material appearance and peer comparison often shape adolescent social dynamics, especially for girls, where outward presentation is closely tied to status and acceptance.
Yet Monroe also draws a contrast: the boys, she says, accepted her “because they liked me,” not for what she wore. This memory illustrates her early understanding of the difference between superficial approval and genuine affection. It likely influenced her lifelong yearning for love and validation that was based on who she truly was, rather than how she looked or what she could offer materially. Even at a young age, she was aware of the emotional toll of being measured by standards she could not afford to meet.
Today, Monroe’s words still resonate in a world dominated by image-conscious culture and economic disparity, especially among youth. Her story reminds us that true connection transcends appearances, and that kindness and authenticity—especially in formative years—can shape a person’s sense of worth. It’s a call to be mindful of how we treat others, and a testament to the lasting impact of being seen and valued for who we are, not what we wear.
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