The Perks of Being a Wallflower Quotes About Depression, Love, and More

The Perks of Being a Wallflower spoke to fans worldwide about the trials and tribulations of being a teenager.

To reminisce over the book and the movie, check out The Perks of Being a Wallflower quotes below!

What’s better: the film adaptation or the book? 

Written by Stephen Chbosky, The Perks of Being a Wallflower was released in 1999.

The book follows high school freshman Charlie as he attends a new school and deals with his past traumas.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower is now considered a New York Times Bestselling Novel. 

It is a powerful and moving novel that has captured the hearts of many readers with its relatable characters, poignant themes, and accessible wiritng style.

The book exploded in popularity when its film adaptation was released in 2012, starring Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, and Ezra Miller. 

The film was directed by the author of the book himself, Stephen Chbosky, and was well received by audiences and critics alike.

It was praised for its faithful adaptation of the source material, as well as its excellent cast and poignant portrayal of the novel’s themes.

Check out the quotes below to relive Charlie’s story. 

Check out our most popular quote article, a list of short inspirational quotes for daily inspiration. 

Our inspirational quotes category page has all of our motivational quotes for all the different areas of life.

Powerful Perks of Being a Wallflower quotes

1. “Things change, friends leave. And life doesn’t stop for anybody.” ― Stephen Chbosky

2. “I was suddenly very aware of the fact it was me standing up in that tunnel with the wind over my face. Not caring if I saw downtown. Not even thinking about it. Because I was standing in the tunnel. And I was really there. And that was enough to make me feel infinite.” ― Stephen Chbosky

3. “So I guess we are who we are for a lot of reasons. And maybe we’ll never know most of them. But even if we don’t have the power to choose where we come from, we can still choose where we go from there. We can still do things. And we can try to feel okay about them.” ― Stephen Chbosky

You will also enjoy our article on anxiety quotes.

4. “He’s a wallflower. You see things. You keep quiet about them. And you understand.” ― Stephen Chbosky

5. “Try to be a filter, not a sponge.” ― Stephen Chbosky

6. “It’s much easier not to know things sometimes.” – Stephen Chbosky

7. “Sam and Patrick looked at me. And I looked at them. And I think they knew. Not anything specific really. They just knew. And I think that’s all you can ever ask from a friend.” – Stephen Chbosky

8. “Maybe it’s good to put things in perspective, but sometimes, I think that the only perspective is to really be there.” – Stephen Chbosky

9. “In the silence, I remembered this one time that I never told anybody about. The time we were walking. Just the three of us. And I was in the middle…I just remember walking between them and feeling for the first time that I belonged somewhere.” ― Stephen Chbosky

10. “This moment will just be another story someday.” ― Stephen Chbosky

11. “Charlie. Please don’t take this the wrong way. I’m not trying to make you feel uncomfortable. I just want you to know that you’re special…and the only reason I’m telling you is that I don’t know if anyone else ever has.” ― Stephen Chbosky

You will also enjoy our article on sunflower quotes.

12. “Sometimes people use thought to not participate in life.” – Stephen Chbosky

13. “Enjoy it. Because it’s happening.” – Stephen Chbosky

Perks of Being a Wallflower quotes about depression and sadness

14. “She wasn’t bitter. She was sad, though. But it was a hopeful kind of sad. The kind of sad that just takes time. ” ― Stephen Chbosky
If you’re enjoying these quotes, you’ll love our collection of powerful depression quotes that will provide perspective.

15. “So, this is my life. And I want you to know that I am both happy and sad and I’m still trying to figure out how that could be.” – Stephen Chbosky

16. “I hope it’s the kind of second side that he can listen to whenever he drives alone and feel like he belongs to something whenever he’s sad. I hope it can be that for him.” – Stephen Chbosky

17. “I don’t know if you’ve ever felt like that. That you wanted to sleep for a thousand years. Or just not exist. Or just not be aware that you do exist. Or something like that. I think wanting that is very morbid, but I want it when I get like this. That’s why I’m trying not to think. I just want it all to stop spinning.” – Stephen Chbosky

18. “Not everyone has a sob story, Charlie, and even if they do, it’s no excuse.” – Stephen Chbosky

19. “I just wish that God or my parents or Sam or my sister or someone would just tell me what’s wrong with me. Just tell me how to be different in a way that makes sense. To make this all go away. And disappear.” – Stephen Chbosky

Relatable Perks of Being a Wallflower quotes

20. “Everyone else is either asleep or having sex. I’ve been watching cable television and eating jello.” – Stephen Chbosky

21. “I really think that everyone should have watercolors, magnetic poetry, and a harmonica.” ― Stephen Chbosky

22. “I love Twinkies, and the reason I am saying that is because we are all supposed to think of reasons to live.” – Stephen Chbosky

23. “And we kept dancing. It was the one time all day that I really wanted the clock to stop. And just be there for a long time.” – Stephen Chbosky

24. “It’s strange to think of your teachers as being people.” – Stephen Chbosky

Perks of Being a Wallflower quotes about love

25. “You can’t just sit there and put everyone’s lives ahead of yours and think that counts as love. You just can’t. You have to do things.” ― Stephen Chbosky

How did you enjoy your high school experience? 

High school was one of the roughest times of my life.

Now that graduation is long gone, I have a few pieces of advice for anyone who may currently be in high school. 

Although it’s difficult to see when you’re in it, there is life beyond high school.

Things like football games, popularity, and dances don’t matter much once you’ve gotten your diploma.

Remember not to take it all too seriously. 

Most importantly, don’t be afraid to follow your interests.

Whether you’re a social butterfly, a wallflower, or someone in between, do what makes you happy. 

Which of these The Perks of Being a Wallflower quotes and lines is your favorite?

Let us know below!

Nia Simone McLeod

Nia Simone McLeod is a writer, content creator, and video editor from Richmond, Virginia. After receiving a Bachelor’s degree in journalism from Virginia Commonwealth University, she began producing professionally edited, eye-catching written and visual content for clients on a variety of different topics such as pop culture, music, technology, business, and mental health. From songs that top the Billboard charts to binge-worthy TV shows on Netflix, she not only understands what’s “hot” in pop culture but how it connects us as a community.As communities, we bond over discussing, critiquing, and expressing our love for pop culture. Developing great digital content is equal parts research and creative ideas. As a content writer, she has helped brands and entrepreneurs create digital content that authentically expresses their brand while staying in touch with current events. Her article topics also include travel, technology, business, and health. When she is not tapping away at her laptop, she is curating her next great Spotify playlist or stuffing her face at the local pho shop.