26 Brutally Honest Relationship Quotes From Oprah Winfrey

When we talk about inspirations for women, Oprah Winfrey is always high up on the list. Her advice on success and self-love has empowered countless ladies to pursuit a better version of themselves. 

But when it comes to relationships, her love quotes are not so sweet. Instead, some of these quotes are may be too honest.

You may think that every relationship is different and there are no “universal laws” to apply. But the thing is, the best quotes are usually not any kind of “laws”. 

They are something that we already know. They simply put the feelings in our heads into plain words. That’s when our assumptions, theories and answers get loud and clear.

You are here, so you may be seeking your own answers.

If any of these quotes from Oprah help you or resonates with you in any way, tell us in the comment or share it with a friend who might need the same thing. 

If a man wants you, nothing can keep him away. If he doesn’t want you, nothing can make him stay.  
– Oprah Winfrey

Stop making excuses for a man and his behavior. Allow your intuition (or spirit) to save you from heartache. 
– Oprah Winfrey

You’ll be mad at yourself a year later for staying when things are not better. 
– Oprah Winfrey

If you feel like he is stringing you along, then he probably is. 
– Oprah Winfrey

True forgiveness is when you can say, “Thank you for that experience.” 
– Oprah Winfrey

You cannot change a man’s behavior. Change comes from within. 
– Oprah Winfrey

He is a man; nothing more, nothing less. 
– Oprah Winfrey

You should not be the one doing all the bending–compromise is a two-way street. 
– Oprah Winfrey

When people treat you like they don’t care, believe them. 
– Oprah Winfrey

Maintain boundaries in how a guy treats you. If something bothers you, speak up. 
– Oprah Winfrey

Never borrow someone else’s man. If he cheated with you, he’ll cheat on you. 
– Oprah Winfrey

Don’t settle for a relationship that won’t let you be yourself. 
– Oprah Winfrey

My idea of heaven is a great big baked potato and someone to share it with. 
– Oprah Winfrey

Slower is better. Never live your life for a man before you find what makes you truly happy. 
– Oprah Winfrey

Never let a man define who you are. 
– Oprah Winfrey

Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher. 
– Oprah Winfrey

A man will only treat you the way you allow him to treat you. 
– Oprah Winfrey

Once someone has shown a tendency to be self-centered, you need to recognize that and take care of yourself; people aren’t going to change simply because you want them to. 
– Oprah Winfrey

People who love you don’t treat you badly. 
– Oprah Winfrey

If you’re holding anyone else accountable for your happiness, you’re wasting your time. 
– Oprah Winfrey

When people show you who they are; believe them. 
– Oprah Winfrey

You must be fearless enough to give yourself the love you didn’t receive. 
– Oprah Winfrey

Love is when you choose to be at your best when the other person is not at their best. 
– Oprah Winfrey

When a man doesn’t call you back the first time, when you are mistreated the first time, when someone shows you lack of integrity or dishonesty the first time, know that this will be followed many many other times. 
– Oprah Winfrey

The love and approval I craved could not be found outside myself.
– Oprah Winfrey

Read also: 33 Self-love Quotes To Take Care Of Yourself Through Tough Times

If you don’t already know that you have worth, there’s nothing your friends, your family, or your mate can say that will completely convince you of that. 
– Oprah Winfrey