Meaning: This quote by Anna Neagle, an English stage and film actress, encapsulates a universal human experience: the challenge of waiting for things we desire or anticipate. Neagle’s words reflect the restlessness and impatience that many people feel when awaiting significant events or changes in their lives. The quote touches upon various aspects of life where waiting can be a source of anxiety and anticipation, from personal reunions to professional opportunities and even mundane household improvements.

The first part of the quote speaks to the emotional strain of waiting for the return of loved ones. Neagle mentions her father and brother, who were sailors, and the anticipation of their homecoming after long sea trips. This aspect of waiting involves a mix of emotions – the joy of reunion and the anxiety of not knowing when the wait will end. The unpredictability of their return, coupled with the longing for their presence, creates a sense of impatience that many can relate to.

Additionally, Neagle refers to waiting for the chance of a better job, which is a sentiment shared by many individuals in the workforce. The pursuit of career advancement often involves waiting for opportunities to materialize, whether it's waiting for a promotion, a new job offer, or the outcome of a job interview. This type of waiting can be particularly challenging as it involves uncertainty and the desire for positive change in one's professional life.

The mention of waiting for new curtains may seem trivial compared to the other examples, but it serves to highlight how waiting permeates various aspects of daily life. The anticipation of small changes or improvements, such as new home furnishings, can still elicit a sense of impatience and eagerness for the desired outcome.

Neagle's quote resonates with many people because waiting is an inherent part of the human experience. It reflects the universal struggle with patience and the emotional toll that waiting can take. Whether it's waiting for major life events or more mundane matters, the experience of waiting is a common thread that binds individuals together.

In a broader context, the quote also touches on the concept of delayed gratification, a psychological principle that suggests the ability to wait for something desired can lead to greater rewards in the long run. This idea underscores the importance of managing impatience and finding ways to cope with the discomfort of waiting.

The quote attributed to Anna Neagle captures the nuanced emotional landscape of waiting, encompassing both the significant and seemingly trivial aspects of life that can evoke feelings of impatience and anticipation. Neagle's words serve as a reminder that waiting is a shared human experience, and finding ways to navigate and cope with it is an essential part of the human journey.