It is better to be unhappy alone than unhappy with someone.
Meaning
Maugham suggests that being in the wrong relationship can be more damaging than solitude. Personal peace and self-respect are more valuable than companionship without happiness.
Best Motivation Quotes with Meaning
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Why This Quote Matters
Somerset Maugham frames Happiness here in a way that feels earned rather than borrowed. What stays after reading is this: Maugham suggests that being in the wrong relationship can be more damaging than solitude.
Personal peace and self-respect are more valuable than companionship without happiness. Treat it as a starting point for a conversation, not a finished answer. That’s usually enough to shift how a day unfolds.
How to Apply This Quote in Life
Bring up Happiness in one real conversation instead of just thinking about it. When you slip, restart without shame; Strength grows through returns, not perfection.
If it feels abstract, pick a single scenario this week and run it end-to-end. One step, repeated, is the entire strategy.
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