What does this quote mean to you?

Question

William Somerset Maugham once said,

"The love that lasts the longest, is the love that is never returned."

I thought it would be interesting to see other's responses to famous quotes. Tell me what this quote means to you. If you agree, and a short story, if any, that you can relate to this quote. Also, tell me if this is an interesting question idea so I can decide to post similar questions with quotes on life, love, sex, hardships and happiness.

The-Nash · Accepted Answer

It's about Charity, and giving, and not expecting anything in return. "The love that last the longest is the one that is never returned" is for me like saying: "wow, I was lost, and that person on the side of the road didn't have to give me directions when I was lost, but they did, out of the kindness of their heart, and didn't expect anything from me. "

Now when someone then approaches me when they're lost, I remember of the person who helped me, and I repay the favor, "pass it forward, without expectation;" it's not about what you lose and want back, it's about what you give, for the sake of charity and giving. It could make all the difference to someone who is down on their luck.

Superstrength79 · Accepted Answer

I would say it is someone that has a crush, a secret longing for someone and they never reveal it. The love is unresolved and everlasting because there is no exchange taking place.

Also, anyone in a relationship that gives and gives and gives the love, but never gets any in return because the second half is an emotional brick wall or a manipulate so-and-so. That could be what he means as well. The giver in those situations has built up the fantasy that some day they will be rewarded with kindness and love.

I think more questions like this would break up the usual pattern of "does he like me" questions. Go for it! :)

LilMiss · Accepted Answer

I know exactly what this quote means lol. I was head over heels in love (so I thought) with this boy from 5th grade til 8th grade. He never gave me a chance but I continued to feel so strongly for him that I didn't care about any other guys. We still talk, and now he likes me but I have a boyfriend. (Irony is a bitch lol) Although there are feelings there, I wouldn't trade my boyfriend for the world, so I keep them to myself. Plus it wouldn't hurt making him wait around if it is meant to happen lol.

Foxy-Sox · Accepted Answer

What this quote means to me is.

Being in love with someone who does not share the same feelings as you do for them

I do not really have a story to share and I can not really relate to it ,unless my hubby stops loving me and I never get over it I will probably not know this feeling.

I DO think this is a great idea to see how others interpret things. I would urge anyone who has a quote they would like to share to submit it so that we can all discuss them. =)

Wonderful Idea!

Deena14 · Accepted Answer

The love that is never returned lasts the longest, because it has not been satisfied. We still strive to obtain it. And with time, it's intensity grows. However, if it were returned, then even if it ended it a break up, we know that for once it was ours. We have sometime to remember, memories to hold on to. In the former case, it's only expectations and wishes... unrealised. :(.

(This is by experience)

And yes, it's hard! :S.

clover · Answer

In a relationship, this means if both last long it does not mean both love each other. It's the opposite like one of them is the believer and the other is just a survivor. Believer is the one who truly love back, the other is the player and enjoys life while he or she is not in the state of letting go yet. It happens. Hope this help please give me a feed back if I'm wrong. Thanks for posting this