a-general-introduction-to-psychoanalysis-sigmund-freud

"Oh, well, there is no one here anyway, and probably no one will come as
long as I am here." He would also be quite unmannerly and supercilious
during the consultation if his presumption were not at once restrained by a
sharp reminder.
You will find nothing in the analysis of this little symptomatic act which was
not previously known to you. That is to say, it asserts that this act is not
accidental, but has a motive, a meaning, a purpose, that it has its assignable
connections psychologically, and that it serves as a small indication of a more
important psychological process. But above all it implies that the process thus
intimated is not known to the consciousness of the individual in whom it takes
place, for none of the patients who left the two doors open would have
admitted that they meant by this omission to show me their contempt. Some
could probably recall a slight sense of disappointment at entering an empty
waiting room, but the connection between this impression and the
symptomatic act which followed—of these, his consciousness was surely not
aware.
Now let us place, side by side with this small analysis of a symptomatic act,
an observation on a pathological case. I choose one which is fresh in my mind
and which can also be described with relative brevity. A certain measure of
minuteness of detail is unavoidable in any such account.
A young officer, home on a short leave of absence, asked me to see his
mother-in-law who, in spite of the happiest circumstances, was embittering
her own and her people's existence by a senseless idea. I am introduced to a
well preserved lady of fifty-three with pleasant, simple manners, who gives
the following account without any hesitation: She is most happily married and
lives in the country with her husband, who operates a large factory. She
cannot say enough for the kind thoughtfulness of her husband. They had
married for love thirty years ago, and since then there had never been a
shadow, a quarrel or cause for jealousy. Now, even though her two children
are well married, the husband and father does not yet want to retire, from a
feeling of duty. A year ago there happened the incredible thing,
incomprehensible to herself as well. She gave complete credence to an
anonymous letter which accused her excellent husband of having an affair
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