Girls, like men, want to be petted, pitied, and made much of, when they are diffident, in low spirits, or in unrequited love. These are services which the weak cannot render to the strong and which the strong will not render to the weak, except when there is also a difference of sex.

Summary

This quote suggests that both men and women desire affection, empathy, and attention when they are feeling insecure, sad, or experiencing unrequited love. However, it implies that these needs are often fulfilled by the opposite sex. When men are downcast, women may offer care and support, while women seek solace and understanding from men. It implies a societal expectation that men provide emotional support to women because they perceive men as strong and women as weak in these circumstances, reinforcing traditional gender roles and dynamics.

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