The Perks of Being a Wallflower Quotes

Context

This quote is spoken by Bill to Charlie in The Perks of Being a Wallflower, written by Stephen Chbosky (1999).

The main character in this book (and noted wallflower), Charlie, asks his favorite English teacher one question. Why do good people sometimes pick mates that treat them like garbage? Well, maybe it's because "we accept the love we think we deserve." It's a pretty wise explanation actually.

Charlie is thinking specifically of his sister, who's in an abusive relationship and doesn't seem to want to get out, but probably everyone has thought about this at one time or another. Why is that girl dating a jerk? Or why does that dude keep going back to a girl who constantly insults him? Maybe it's because they feel so bad about themselves that they don't think they deserve better. Of course, the truth is, everyone deserves better. And it's never too late to kick him/her to the curb.

Where you've heard it

If you hear this quote, it's probably because someone you know has been going through a bad time. They might think they deserve the bottom of the barrel, but it's definitely time they start moving up. Stay strong, friends.

Pretentious Factor

If you were to drop this quote at a dinner party, would you get an in-unison "awww" or would everyone roll their eyes and never invite you back? Here it is, on a scale of 1-10.

Okay, this is just a smidge pretentious (you are claiming to know what motivates people to love their abusers), but we think most folks will agree with your sage wisdom here. Cool English teachers for the win.