One Day by David Nicholls chronicles the evolving love story of Emma Morley and Dexter Mayhew over two decades. Beginning on July 15, 1988, the day they graduate from the University of Edinburgh, the narrative revisits the pair on the same date each year, tracing their divergent paths and the highs and lows of their deep connection. Nicholls's story delves into the complexities of friendship and love, and the profound impact of timing on life's outcomes. Emma, a romantic dreamer, and Dexter, a charming yet directionless television host, contrast ambition and contentment. Their lives intersect unexpectedly, leading to missed opportunities and heartbreaking moments. 

Praised for its relatable characters and bittersweet authenticity, One Day resonates with readers as a poignant exploration of the beauty and transience of human bonds. Published in 2009, the book continues to captivate audiences with its timeless themes of love, friendship, and the power of fate. Here are 30+ of the best quotes from One Day.

The best One Day quotes on life's wonderful and fleeting moments

1. "And then some days you wake up and everything's perfect."

2. "He wanted to live life in such a way that if a photograph were taken at random, it would be a cool photograph."

3. "This is where it all begins. Everything starts here, today."

4. "Whatever happens tomorrow, we had today; and I'll always remember it."

5. "You can live your whole life not realizing that what you're looking for is right in front of you."

6. "Today. This bright new day that awaits us."

7. "For some time now she has had the conviction that life is about to change if only because it must."

8. "You can't throw away years of your life because it makes a funny anecdote."

The best One Day quotes on relationships and emotions

1. "Better by far to be good and courageous and bold and to make a difference. Not change the world exactly, but the bit around you."

2. "Dexter, I love you so much. So, so much, and I probably always will. I just don't like you anymore. I'm sorry."

3. "If you're my friend I should be able to talk to you but I can't, and if I can't talk to you, well, what is the point of you? Of us?"

4. "In eight years not a day has gone by when she hasn't thought of him. She misses him and she wants him back." 

5. "I want my best friend back, she thinks, because without him nothing is good and nothing is right."

6. "Their friendship was like a wilted bunch of flowers that she insisted on topping up with water. Why not let it die instead?"

7. "'This is me.' He handed her the precious scrap of paper. 'Call me or I'll call you, but one of us will call, yes? What I mean is it's not a competition. You don't lose if you phone first.'"

8. "Why can't you just love me? Why can't you just be in love with me?"

The best One Day quotes on self-worth and personal growth

1. "Cherish your friends, stay true to your principles, live passionately and fully and well. Experience new things. Love and be loved, if you ever get the chance."

2. "I'm not the consolation prize, Dex. I'm not something you resort to. I happen to think I'm worth more than that."

3. "You feel a little bit lost right now about what to do with your life, a bit rudderless and oarless and aimless but that's okay… That's alright because we're all meant to be like that at twenty-four."

4. "You're gorgeous, you old hag, and if I could give you just one gift ever for the rest of your life it would be this. Confidence. It would be the gift of confidence. Either that or a scented candle."

5. "In the future, I'll be braver, she told herself. In the future, I will always speak my mind, eloquently, passionately."

6. "Do you think it's a conspiracy, people secretly ganging up to be nice about you?"

7. "Oh you know me. I have no emotions. I'm a robot. Or a nun. A robot nun."

The best One Day quotes on the meaning of life and conventional expectations

1. "If you have to keep a secret it's because you shouldn't be doing it in the first place."

2. "And of course there is always joy in witnessing the joy of others."

3. "Live each day as if it's your last', that was the conventional advice, but really, who had the energy for that?"

4. "Don't keep fighting battles that are already lost."

5. "I think reality is overrated."

6. "'Just kidding' was exactly what people wrote when they meant every word."

7. “It would be inappropiate, undignified, at 38, to conduct friendships or love affairs with the ardour or intensity of a 22 year old.”