Deborah Tannen Quotes about Independence

Communication is a continual balancing act, juggling the conflicting needs for intimacy and independence. To survive in the world, we have to act in concert with others, but to survive as ourselves, rather than simply

Communication is a continual balancing act, juggling the conflicting needs for intimacy and independence. To survive in the world, we have to act in concert with others, but to survive as ourselves, rather than simply as cogs in a wheel, we have to act alone.

Deborah Tannen

Communication, Independence, Cogs

Deborah Tannen (2013). “You Just Don't Understand: Women and Men in Conversation”, p.27, Harper Collins

Though all humans need both intimacy and independence, women tend to focus on the first and men on the second. It is as if their lifeblood ran in different directions.

Deborah Tannen

Men, Focus, Independence

Deborah Tannen (2013). “You Just Don't Understand: Women and Men in Conversation”, p.26, Harper Collins

The desire for freedom and independence becomes more of an issue for many men in relationships, whereas interdependence and connection become more of an issue for many women.

Deborah Tannen

Men, Issues, Independence

Deborah Tannen (2013). “You Just Don't Understand: Women and Men in Conversation”, p.40, Harper Collins