"The desire of the man is for the woman, but the desire of the woman is for the desire of the man"

This quote by Madame de Stael speaks to the power dynamics between men and women in relationships. It recommends that men prefer ladies, however women desire the desire of guys. This suggests that men have the power in the relationship, as they are the ones being wanted. Females, on the other hand, remain in a position of wishing to be wanted, and therefore remain in a more vulnerable position. This quote likewise talks to the idea of ladies requiring to be validated by males in order to feel worthwhile. It recommends that females are not content with just being wanted, but rather they need to be preferred by the male they are in a relationship with in order to feel satisfied. This quote is a reminder of the value of shared regard and understanding in relationships, and how both celebrations must be equally valued and preferred.