27 Top Forbidden Love Quotes (with Explanation)

The “forbidden love” trope is a story about two people who are deeply attracted to each other but face obstacles that prevent them from being together.

These obstacles are usually external factors, like social pressures or rules, rather than a lack of feelings. A classic example is Romeo and Juliet, whose families are sworn enemies.

Here are some quotes that shed more light on the subject.

Forbidden Love Quotes

“The course of true love never did run smooth.” – William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare’s quote from “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” reflects the inherent difficulties and obstacles often encountered in true love, particularly in forbidden love.

Shakespeare’s words resonate with those experiencing love that defies conventions, reminding them that enduring these trials is part of the journey.

“We loved with a love that was more than love.” – Edgar Allan Poe

Edgar Allan Poe’s quote from “Annabel Lee” speaks to the intense, transcendent nature of forbidden love. It suggests a deep, soulful connection that surpasses ordinary affection.

For those experiencing forbidden love, this quote captures the profound bond and heightened emotions that often accompany such relationships. Poe’s words highlight the exceptional and sometimes overwhelming intensity of love that exists beyond societal norms.

“Love that we cannot have is the one that lasts the longest, hurts the deepest, and feels the strongest.” – Paulo Coelho

Paulo Coelho’s quote reflects on the enduring and often painful nature of unfulfilled, forbidden love. It highlights how unattainable love can leave a lasting impact, evoking strong emotions and deep longing.

Coelho’s words resonate with those who have experienced the bittersweet reality of forbidden love, emphasizing how its intensity and the ache of unfulfilled desire can shape one’s emotional landscape long after the relationship has ended.

“To burn with desire and keep quiet about it is the greatest punishment we can bring on ourselves.” – Federico García Lorca

Federico García Lorca’s quote underscores the inner turmoil of concealing forbidden love. It highlights the emotional pain and conflict that arises from suppressing passionate feelings.

For those entangled in forbidden love, keeping their emotions hidden can be a source of significant distress. Lorca’s words capture the essence of this struggle, illustrating how the silence surrounding such love can be torturous.

“The love that lasts the longest is the love that is never returned.” – W. Somerset Maugham

W. Somerset Maugham’s quote reflects on the enduring nature of unrequited, often forbidden love. For those experiencing forbidden love, this quote resonates with the reality of harboring deep feelings that may never be fully acknowledged or returned.

Maugham’s words highlight the enduring presence of such love in one’s life, emphasizing how the unfulfilled nature of forbidden love can create a lasting emotional impact.

“There is always some madness in love. But there is also always some reason in madness.” – Friedrich Nietzsche

Friedrich Nietzsche’s quote explores the complex interplay between love and madness, particularly in the context of forbidden love. It acknowledges the irrational, passionate nature of love while also suggesting that there is a method or reason to this emotional chaos.

For those entangled in forbidden love, Nietzsche’s words validate the intense and sometimes bewildering emotions they experience.

“My love for you is a journey; starting at forever and ending at never.” – A.R. Asher

A.R. Asher’s quote beautifully captures the eternal and unwavering nature of forbidden love. It suggests a love that transcends time and circumstances, remaining constant despite the impossibility of its fulfillment.

For those experiencing forbidden love, these words resonate deeply, expressing a commitment and passion that endures regardless of external constraints.

“There is a charm about the forbidden that makes it unspeakably desirable.” – Mark Twain

Mark Twain’s quote highlights the allure and fascination of forbidden love. The idea of something being off-limits often heightens its desirability, making the experience more thrilling and intense.

This quote underscores the paradoxical attraction of the forbidden, suggesting that the very act of being unattainable can amplify the longing and passion, making the love feel even more profound and compelling.

“I love you as certain dark things are to be loved, in secret, between the shadow and the soul.” – Pablo Neruda

Pablo Neruda’s quote from his “Sonnet XVII” poetically captures the essence of secret, forbidden love. It speaks to a deep, intimate connection that exists away from the public eye, hidden in the shadows.

Neruda’s words emphasize the beauty and intensity of love that must be kept hidden, reflecting the unique and often poignant experience of loving someone in secrecy.

“Stolen kisses are always sweetest.” – Leigh Hunt

Leigh Hunt’s quote conveys the heightened pleasure and excitement of forbidden love. The notion of stolen kisses being the sweetest suggests that the secrecy and risk involved add a special thrill to the experience.

For those involved in forbidden love, Hunt’s words resonate with the exhilarating and passionate moments shared in secret. This quote underscores the idea that the forbidden aspects of love can enhance its intensity and joy, making each stolen moment more precious and memorable.

“Our love is like the wind. I can’t see it, but I can feel it.” – Nicholas Sparks

Nicholas Sparks’ quote from “A Walk to Remember” beautifully describes the intangible yet powerful nature of forbidden love. It speaks to the deep emotional connection that exists even when the love cannot be openly displayed.

For those experiencing forbidden love, Sparks’ words capture the essence of feeling a strong bond that is not always visible to others. This quote highlights the profound and enduring impact of love that must remain unseen, emphasizing the powerful emotions that can exist beneath the surface.

“The sweetest joy, the wildest woe is love.” – Pearl Bailey

Pearl Bailey’s quote reflects the duality of love, especially forbidden love. For those entangled in forbidden relationships, this quote resonates with the bittersweet experience of intense joy coupled with inevitable pain.

Bailey’s words underscore the complex emotional landscape of forbidden love, where the highs and lows are amplified, creating a passionate but tumultuous journey that is both exhilarating and heart-wrenching.

“He is not a lover who does not love forever.” – Euripides

Euripides’ quote speaks to the enduring nature of true love, suggesting that genuine affection lasts a lifetime. In the context of forbidden love, it highlights the lasting impact and commitment that such relationships often entail.

For those experiencing forbidden love, this quote resonates with the idea that their feelings are deep and enduring, despite external obstacles. Euripides’ words emphasize the timeless quality of true love, reinforcing the notion that real love persists beyond temporary challenges and societal constraints.

“The heart wants what it wants. There’s no logic to these things.” – Woody Allen

Woody Allen’s quote captures the irrational and uncontrollable nature of love, particularly forbidden love. It acknowledges that emotions often defy logic and reason.

For those in forbidden relationships, Allen’s words resonate with the understanding that their feelings are driven by deep emotional instincts rather than rational decisions.

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“To love and win is the best thing. To love and lose, the next best.” – William Makepeace Thackeray

William Makepeace Thackeray’s quote reflects the value of love, regardless of the outcome. In the context of forbidden love, it suggests that even if the love cannot be fully realized, the experience itself holds immense worth.

For those involved in forbidden relationships, Thackeray’s words provide comfort by affirming that the act of loving, despite its challenges, is valuable.

“The only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it.” – Oscar Wilde

Oscar Wilde’s quote provocatively suggests that resisting temptation only intensifies it, while yielding can bring relief. In the context of forbidden love, this idea resonates with the irresistible draw and tension of such relationships.

This quote highlights the powerful allure of the forbidden, suggesting that sometimes giving in to love’s temptations can be an inevitable, albeit complicated, path to emotional satisfaction.

“When we are in love, we are convinced nobody else will do. But as time goes, others do do, and often do do, much better.” – Coco Chanel

Coco Chanel’s quote offers a pragmatic view on love, suggesting that time and perspective can change our feelings. In the realm of forbidden love, it implies that intense emotions may eventually fade, and new connections can form.

For those in forbidden relationships, Chanel’s words provide a balanced perspective, encouraging them to consider the possibility of moving on. This quote emphasizes that while forbidden love may feel all-consuming, time can bring healing and new opportunities for happiness.

“Love is a smoke made with the fume of sighs.” – William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare’s quote from “Romeo and Juliet” poetically describes the elusive and often painful nature of love. In forbidden love, this imagery of smoke and sighs evokes the intense longing and melancholy that accompany such relationships.

This quote highlights the transient and intangible qualities of love, suggesting that the beauty and pain of forbidden love are intertwined, creating a complex emotional experience.

“Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies.” Aristotle

Aristotle’s quote beautifully encapsulates the deep connection between two lovers, suggesting a unity that transcends physical separation. In the context of forbidden love, this idea emphasizes the profound bond that persists despite external barriers.

For those involved in forbidden relationships, Aristotle’s words validate the feeling of being deeply connected to another person, even when circumstances keep them apart.

“We always believe our first love is our last, and our last love our first.” – George John Whyte-Melville

George John Whyte-Melville’s quote reflects on the idealization of love, particularly the belief in its uniqueness and irreplaceability. In forbidden love, this sentiment is often intensified, as the relationship can feel like the ultimate, unparalleled connection.

For those experiencing forbidden love, Whyte-Melville’s words capture the heightened emotional significance they attach to their relationship. This quote emphasizes the powerful and often idealized nature of forbidden love, suggesting that such feelings can create a lasting impression, shaping one’s view of love forever.

“Love is the most beautiful of dreams and the worst of nightmares.” – Aman Jassal

Aman Jassal’s quote captures the dual nature of love, highlighting its potential for both joy and pain. In forbidden love, this contrast is particularly stark, as intense passion is often accompanied by significant challenges and heartache.

For those involved in forbidden relationships, Jassal’s words resonate with the extremes of their emotional experience.

“When love is not madness, it is not love.” – Pedro Calderón de la Barca

Pedro Calderón de la Barca’s quote emphasizes the intense, often irrational nature of true love. In the context of forbidden love, this sentiment is magnified as the passion and turmoil associated with such relationships can feel overwhelming.

For those experiencing forbidden love, Calderón’s words resonate deeply, capturing the sense of all-consuming madness that defines their emotions. This quote highlights the idea that real love is characterized by its fervor and intensity, suggesting that love without a touch of madness lacks true depth.

“The hottest love has the coldest end.” – Socrates

Socrates’ quote speaks to the often harsh reality of passionate love, particularly forbidden love. It suggests that the more intense the love, the more painful the potential outcome. For those involved in forbidden relationships, this quote serves as a sobering reminder of the possible consequences.

Socrates’ words highlight the bittersweet nature of forbidden love, where the initial heat and intensity can lead to a devastating end, emphasizing the risks and emotional costs associated with deeply passionate, yet unattainable, love.

“The greater the love, the greater the tragedy when it’s over.” – Nicholas Sparks

Nicholas Sparks’ quote underscores the profound impact of lost love, especially when it is intense and deeply felt. In forbidden love, the inevitable end can be particularly tragic, given the heightened emotions involved.

For those experiencing forbidden love, Sparks’ words resonate with the understanding that their powerful connection can lead to significant heartbreak.

“You can’t help who you fall in love with.” – E.L. James

E.L. James’ quote reflects the uncontrollable and spontaneous nature of love. In the realm of forbidden love, it emphasizes that emotions often defy logic and societal norms.

For those involved in such relationships, James’ words validate their feelings, acknowledging that love can develop unexpectedly and intensely, regardless of circumstances.

“The heart has its reasons which reason knows not.” – Blaise Pascal

Blaise Pascal’s quote highlights the enigmatic and irrational nature of love. In forbidden love, this concept is particularly relevant as feelings often contradict societal norms and logical thinking.

This quote underscores the mysterious and powerful pull of love, suggesting that its motivations are beyond rational understanding, and that the heart operates on its own inexplicable, yet compelling, logic.

“Love is so short, forgetting is so long.” – Pablo Neruda

Pablo Neruda’s quote poignantly captures the fleeting nature of love and the enduring pain of its loss. In the context of forbidden love, this sentiment is especially resonant, as such relationships are often brief but leave a lasting emotional impact.

For those involved in forbidden relationships, Neruda’s words reflect the bittersweet reality of intense love followed by prolonged heartache.

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Final Thoughts

Sometimes the heart wants what it wants, even if it’s forbidden. That’s the feeling with a love that is impossible, it is all consuming and dangerous.

If you’re in turmoil over a forbidden love, remember that while forbidden love makes for great tales, real-life relationships often have shades of gray. If the obstacles are truly insurmountable, you might want to reconsider.