My experience of what a loving relationship is like rings true with a lot of people I meet. I have a theory that the people you meet, one way you choose them, is their suitability for you in that particular matter. Attitudes toward friendship and marriage are in many cases closely aligned.

In this quote, Robert Christgau reflects on his personal experience of loving relationships and how it resonates with many people he encounters. He suggests that the way we experience love, particularly in friendship and marriage, can be universal, reflecting common truths that many individuals share. Christgau implies that love is not just about individual connections but also about shared experiences and understandings of what it means to form meaningful relationships.

Christgau further proposes a theory about how we choose the people we connect with, stating that our decisions are based on their suitability for us in specific matters. This could refer to emotional compatibility, shared values, or the way people contribute to the kinds of relationships we are seeking, whether platonic or romantic. He suggests that when we meet others, it’s not purely by chance; instead, there is a purpose in how we align with people, particularly in terms of shared perspectives on friendship and marriage.

The origin of this quote likely comes from Christgau's extensive experiences interacting with others, whether through his work as a critic or in his personal life. His deep understanding of human relationships has led him to develop this theory, which connects attitudes toward friendship and marriage as being intrinsically linked. Christgau has observed how people’s views on these relationships often reflect broader values and attitudes about life.

Ultimately, Christgau’s statement highlights the connection between attitudes and relationships, suggesting that the way we approach friendship and marriage is often aligned. His reflection speaks to the idea that relationships are shaped by mutual understanding and shared values, which allows individuals to form deeper, more meaningful connections with those who are most suitable for them at various points in their lives.