“What people don't realize is that intimacy has its conventions as well as ordinary social intercourse. There are three cardinal rules -- don't take somebody else's boyfriend unless you've been specifically invited to do so, don't take a drink without being asked, and keep a scrupulous accounting in financial matters.”
Cite this quote
APA
Auden, W. H. (n.d.). What people don't realize is that intimacy has its conventions as well as ordinary social intercourse. There are three cardinal rules -- don't take somebody else's boyfriend unless you've been specifically invited to do so, don't take a drink without being asked, and keep a scrupulous accounting in financial matters. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/24468-what-people-dont-realize-is-that-intimacy-has/
MLA
Auden, W. H. “What people don't realize is that intimacy has its conventions as well as ordinary social intercourse. There are three cardinal rules -- don't take somebody else's boyfriend unless you've been specifically invited to do so, don't take a drink without being asked, and keep a scrupulous accounting in financial matters.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/24468-what-people-dont-realize-is-that-intimacy-has/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.
Chicago
Auden, W. H. “What people don't realize is that intimacy has its conventions as well as ordinary social intercourse. There are three cardinal rules -- don't take somebody else's boyfriend unless you've been specifically invited to do so, don't take a drink without being asked, and keep a scrupulous accounting in financial matters.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/24468-what-people-dont-realize-is-that-intimacy-has/.