"I do not wear my emotions on my sleeve. I was once described by my own son Stephen as an emotional ostrich"

In this quote, Pierre Salinger, a popular journalist and former White House Press Secretary, assesses his psychological attitude and the understanding of others concerning his expressiveness. The phrase "I do not use my feelings on my sleeve" suggests that Salinger chosen to keep his emotions personal instead of displaying them openly for others to see. This idiomatic expression implies a level of emotional restraint or stoicism, suggesting that he preserved a made up outside despite his internal emotional state.

The follow-up sentence, "I was when explained by my own son Stephen as a psychological ostrich," extends the metaphor by conjuring up the image of an ostrich, a bird frequently erroneously believed to bury its head in the sand to prevent risk. This contrast recommends that Salinger's son perceived him as somebody who either avoids facing his feelings or chooses to hide them away, similar to the misconstrued habits of the ostrich. Making use of this metaphor indicates a sense of detachment or avoidance, enhancing the concept that Salinger might not have been inclined, or maybe even equipped, to engage with feelings honestly or directly.

This quote can likewise be viewed as a commentary on generational differences in expressing emotion, especially in a familial context. The method Salinger shares this characterization recommends a level of self-awareness and possibly a touch of humor. Acknowledging his son's description without apparent defensiveness might suggest Salinger's acceptance of his emotional style, even if it stands in contrast to more emotionally meaningful individuals. It raises interesting questions about how household dynamics and individuality intersect with the ability or determination to show emotions.

Ultimately, this reflective statement by Salinger reveals much about his personality and how he managed interpersonal relationships, providing insights into the intricacies of human emotion and the different methods people navigate their emotional worlds.