If somebody says, I love you, to me, I feel as though I had a pistol pointed at my head. What can anybody reply under such conditions but that which the pistol-holder requires? I love you, too.

Summary

This quote expresses the feeling of vulnerability that arises when someone expresses their love for the speaker. The metaphor of a pistol pointed at their head emphasizes the sense of pressure and obligation felt in response to such a statement. It suggests that under the intense pressure, the speaker can only respond in the way the person expressing love wants, by reciprocating the love. The quote highlights the complex dynamics and power dynamics often present in romantic relationships where declarations of love can elicit fear or force compliance.

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