“I have to be alone very often. I'd be quite happy if I spent from Saturday night until Monday morning alone in my apartment. That's how I refuel.”
Audrey Hepburn
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quolira.com
Weekends are a bit like rainbows; they look good from a distance but disappear when you get up close to them.
1185 / 1404
Who said it?
Often credited to John Shirley, but the attribution is doubtful. Circulates online under John Shirley's name, but no evidence he wrote it has been found.
A wry observation on how Saturday morning feels endless and Saturday night feels like it arrived in minutes. Shirley names the trick time plays on us when we most want it to slow down.
More misattributed quotes · How we verify quotes
From the collection: 9 Saturday Quotes That Make the Weekend Feel Like a Gift
About this quote
Meaning
This quote says that weekends can seem appealing from afar but often feel less satisfying when they arrive and are filled with errands and obligations. It suggests that expectations about rest can be stronger than the reality. The comparison to a rainbow captures that sense of something beautiful that slips away when approached.
Origin
The quote circulates online under the name John Shirley, but no evidence has been found that he wrote it. It is not documented in his published work or in any verified source, so the attribution is unconfirmed. The rainbow comparison is a familiar image used in many casual sayings about hopes and expectations. Its wording and popularity appear to come from repeated sharing rather than a traceable original publication.
Why it resonates
Many people plan a weekend around rest and then find it crowded with chores, social plans, or lingering work stress. The quote names that disappointment in a gentle, poetic way. It also invites reflection on whether the weekend is being used well, and whether rest needs to be planned rather than hoped for. Readers often find it a useful reminder to protect unstructured time so the break can feel as restorative as they imagined.
Frequently asked questions
Who said "Weekends are a bit like rainbows; they look good from a distance but …"?
Often credited to John Shirley, but the attribution is doubtful. Circulates online under John Shirley's name, but no evidence he wrote it has been found.
What does "Weekends are a bit like rainbows; they look good from a distance but …" mean?
This quote says that weekends can seem appealing from afar but often feel less satisfying when they arrive and are filled with errands and obligations.
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