"في اليوم الذي يصبح فيه بإمكان المرأة أن تحب ليس في ضعفها ولكن في قوتها، ليس للهروب من نفسها ولكن لتجد نفسها، ليس لإهانة نفسها ولكن لتأكيد نفسها، في ذلك اليوم سيصبح الحب لها كما للرجل، مصدر حياة وليس خطرًا مميتًا."
— Simone de Beauvoir
Simplified Meaning:
The quote talks about the idea that a woman's love will be truly fulfilling and healthy when she loves from a place of strength and self-discovery instead of weakness and self-denial. Think about a person who gets into relationships because they feel afraid of being alone or think they need someone else to complete them. This kind of love can be risky because it relies on the other person too much and can lead to unhealthy dynamics or even harm. However, if a woman loves from a place where she knows and values herself, she will enter relationships as a whole person, not seeking someone else to fill a void. Imagine someone who has a strong sense of her own identity, so she chooses a partner who respects and supports her, rather than someone who takes advantage of her insecurities. In history, many women have been taught to be submissive and to seek validation through pleasing others. On the other hand, when women are empowered, they form partnerships based on mutual respect and shared growth. For example, a woman pursuing her education and career, who then chooses a partner that appreciates her ambition, will likely have a more balanced and supportive relationship. By asserting her worth and seeking growth alongside love, she transforms love into something that enriches her life rather than something that could harm her emotionally. Women and men, both bringing their strengths into the partnership, create healthier and more nurturing relationships.