Le commencement et le déclin de l'amour se font sentir par l'embarras où l'on est de se trouver seuls. - Jean de La Bruyère

One seeks to make the loved one entirely happy, or, if that cannot be, entirely wretched.

The true spirit of conversation consists more in bringing out the cleverness of others than in showing a great deal of it yourself; he who goes away pleased with himself and his own wit is also greatly pleased with you. Most men would rather please than admire you; they seek less to be instructed, and even to be amused, than to be praised and applauded.

Liberality consists less in giving a great deal than in gifts well timed.