Quote by Deborah Tannen
Communication is a continual balancing act, juggling the conflicting needs for intimacy and independence. To survive in the world, we have to act in concert with others, but to survive as ourselves, rather than simply as cogs in a wheel, we have to act alone.
Summary
This quote highlights the delicate balance between our need for connection and our need for individuality. It suggests that in order to thrive in society, we must collaborate and cooperate with others, acknowledging the importance of relationships and shared experiences. However, to maintain a sense of self-worth and identity, we must also assert our independence and make decisions that align with our own values and desires. Ultimately, successful communication involves finding harmony between intimacy and autonomy, allowing us to navigate the world both as part of a collective and as unique individuals.