Love reckons hours for months, and days for years; and every little absence is an age

Love reckons hours for months, and days for years; and every little absence is an age

John Dryden, a prominent English poet, playwright, and critic of the 17th century, was known for his profound insights into human emotions and relationships. One of his most famous quotes, “Love reckons hours for months, and days for years; and every little absence is an age,” perfectly captures the essence of love and longing in his works.

In this quote, Dryden beautifully articulates the way love distorts our perception of time. When we are in love, every moment spent apart from our beloved feels like an eternity. Time seems to stretch and warp, as we count down the hours, days, and months until we can be reunited with the object of our affection. The intensity of our emotions magnifies the significance of even the smallest absences, making them feel like interminable stretches of time.

Dryden’s words resonate with anyone who has experienced the all-consuming nature of love. The longing and yearning that accompany separation from a loved one can be overwhelming, causing time to drag on endlessly. Every passing moment without them feels like a lifetime, as we eagerly anticipate the next opportunity to be together.