Almost all of our relationships begin and most of them continue as fo… — W. H. Auden

Almost all of our relationships begin and most of them continue as forms of mutual exploitation, a mental or physical barter, to be terminated when one or both parties run out of goods.

W. H. AudenPoet · English · 1907 – 1973

More from W. H. Auden

The person who needs the other person the least in a relationship is the stronger member. — Doug Coupland
Spiritual relationship is far more precious than physical. Physical relationship divorced from spiritual is body without soul. — Mohandas Gandhi
Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship. — Buddha
A verbal art like poetry is reflective; it stops to think. Music is immediate, it goes on to become. — W. H. Auden
We are all here on earth to help others; what on earth the others are here for I don't know. — W. H. Auden
To save your world you asked this man to die; would this man, could he see you now, ask why? — W. H. Auden