That's the awful thing about dating. Tight underwear. We would all like to be in a big bra and pants and when you are in a secure relationship you can do that.

In this quote, Dawn French humorously reflects on the discomfort and societal pressures of dating, likening it to wearing tight underwear. The comparison suggests that dating, especially in the early stages, can feel constricting and unnatural, as people often feel the need to present their best selves and conform to certain expectations. Just like tight clothing, dating can feel physically and emotionally uncomfortable at times, as it often involves navigating superficial interactions and not fully being oneself.

French contrasts this with the ease and comfort of being in a secure relationship, where there is less pressure to maintain appearances. In a committed relationship, she suggests, there is greater freedom—just like being able to wear more comfortable underwear. The comfort in a secure relationship allows individuals to be more authentic and less concerned with how they are perceived, much like how one feels when free from the tightness and constraints of formal or uncomfortable clothing.

The quote also touches on the theme of vulnerability in dating. When you're dating, you might feel the need to keep up a facade or maintain a certain image, just as tight clothing can restrict comfort. But in a secure relationship, the pressures are lessened, allowing for more openness and authenticity. This shift from discomfort to comfort symbolizes how emotional intimacy grows in a relationship over time, moving from the superficial to the deeply personal.

Ultimately, French’s quote humorously reflects the difference between the anxiety and constriction of dating and the ease and comfort that comes with a secure, committed relationship. It underscores how, over time, relationships offer a space for greater freedom, where individuals can feel less like they’re performing and more like they’re truly themselves.