“Men always want to be a woman’s first love – women like to be a man’s last romance.”
- October 16, 1854 – November 30, 1900
- Irish
- Author, poet, playwright
- Written novels, plays, and poems such as “The Picture of Dorian Gray,” “The Importance of Being Earnest,” and “Salome,” he had a great influence on British literature in the late 19th century through his witty social criticism and humor.
table of contents
Quote
“Men always want to be a woman’s first love – women like to be a man’s last romance.”
Explanation
In this quote, Oscar Wilde humorously contrasts the different romantic desires of men and women. He suggests that men often seek to be the first love in a woman’s life, desiring the novelty and exclusivity that comes with being someone’s initial romantic experience. This reflects a desire for conquest, to be the first to capture the heart of a woman. On the other hand, women often prefer to be the last romance in a man’s life, aiming for the security and commitment that come with being the final, most enduring love. This reflects the idea that women may value longevity and stability in relationships, wanting to be the person who is cherished and settled with in the end.
Wilde’s statement reflects his keen observation of gender dynamics and romantic ideals. It highlights the way men and women are often drawn to different aspects of love—men to the excitement and newness of love, and women to its enduring nature and lasting commitment. These desires speak to the traditional expectations placed on men and women in relationships, where men are seen as pursuing the thrill of first love, while women often seek the security of being the final romantic partner.
In modern contexts, this quote touches on the complexities of love and romantic expectations. It suggests that men and women often approach love from different emotional and psychological standpoints, one seeking novelty and the other seeking stability. Wilde’s words encourage reflection on the nature of desire in relationships, highlighting how different people have different goals and needs when it comes to love and commitment.
