Quote Of The Day By Zsa Zsa Gabor: 'I Want To Choose The Man...'

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Zsa Zsa Gabor was one of Hollywood's most glamorous women. While the Hungarian socialite and actor appeared in numerous films and television projects throughout the course of her life (most of which saw her portraying herself), she is considered the earliest iteration of the famous individual who's famous just for being themself — though she called her great-niece by marriage, Paris Hilton, whom many compared to her due to the latter's socialite antics, "rather silly" in a Vanity Fair interview in 2007. Infamously, Gabor was married nine times, maintained her iconic Hungarian accent decades after she'd left home, and always spoke her mind — producing some of the most outrageous, yet evergreen, words of wisdom Hollywood has ever seen. 

However, Gabor's legacy is more than just fame and publicity stunts. Born in 1917 to a Hungarian soldier and the heiress to a jewelry business, Gabor's early life was rather unique. She studied at a boarding school in Switzerland, was crowned Miss Hungary at age 13 (though she was forced to step down after it was revealed that she lied about her age), and moved to the US to join her sister Eva. Her early adult life wasn't as charmed as you'd think. Gabor's family was still in Budapest when the Nazis invaded during World War II, which pushed them to escape to the U.S.  Some of her relatives refused to leave their loved ones behind and were subsequently killed — a traumatizing event that impacted Gabor throughout her life. Nevertheless, the socialite built a career in the US entertainment industry off of her charm, intelligence, and beauty. She was keenly aware of the challenges women face, and played the patriarchal system to work in her favor. Though she was often the subject of scandal, Gabor's unmatched social prowess made her the perfect voice for today's quote of the day.

Throughout the span of her lifetime, Zsa Zsa Gabor imparted many words of wisdom regarding various topics: women, sex, beauty, and relationships. While some of it may be considered outdated today, one of her most famous quotes includes a lesson that many women benefit from heeding. "I pay all my own bills ... I want to choose the man. I do not permit men to choose me," Gabor told biographer Wendy Leigh for her book, "One Lifetime Is Not Enough," in 1991. Over three decades later, this philosophy is still timely.

After nine marriages, it's no surprise that Zsa Zsa Gabor had firm opinions on how relationships should function. While Gabor never struggled financially herself, she was keenly aware of how money can change the dynamic in a relationship. In her eyes, being able to choose a partner without worrying about future finances is the ultimate freedom; a woman who doesn't need a man's money has more independence in her relationships. As Gabor noted, she didn't allow wealthy men to pick her first. As a young woman in the '50s and '60s, Gabor had first-hand experience with ultra-rich (yet incredibly cruel) men. She had a particularly problematic marriage to hotel magnate Conrad Hilton, whom she claimed was distant, financially controlling, and had assaulted her. Given that trauma, Gabor's insistence on taking the dominant role in a relationship as well as maintaining her financial independence is indicative of her lived experience.

Many of Gabor's most iconic quotes warn against depending financially on a man. In the extreme sense, relying on a partner for financial support can be dangerous and prevent you from leaving if you need or want to. However, in general, it is better to mold your life into what you want it to be (financially, personally, and professionally) before seeking out love. Relationships can be incredibly fulfilling, but personal growth is even more important in the long run. Gabor's romantic advice may not always be the most modern, but the quote of the day shows that much of her insight is still relevant and useful for women today.

If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN's National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).

• "A girl must marry for love, and keep on marrying until she finds it."
• "Being jealous of a beautiful woman is not going to make you more beautiful."
• "I have never hated a man enough to give his diamonds back."
• "I tell you, in this world, being a little crazy helps to keep you sane."
• "You must be independent and able to do for yourself. Then you do not have to marry a rich man; you can marry a poor one. And if it is wrong, you can go."
• "I believe that in life you should always take the serious things lightly and the light things seriously. This attitude of mine gets me into a lot of trouble."
• "There's no better money to spend than your own."