45 'Hope Floats' Quotes That Spell the Beauty of New Beginnings

Many of us have gone through periods in our lives where we feel like our lives have gone backward. "Hope Floats" embodies this experience through an empathetic protagonist, allowing audiences to join her on a journey with which we are all too familiar. Read the 45 quotes below to join Birdee Pruitt's voyage into her past, which may lead to a brighter future.

In the 1998 film, "Hope Floats," Birdee Pruitt makes her way to her hometown of Smithville, Texas, along with her daughter Bernice Pruitt, after discovering on national television that her best friend and husband are in love and planning to wed. There she stays with her mother, contemplating what she should do next.

While in her hometown, she runs into an old friend, Justin Matisse, who attempts to help her. However, he still holds onto his romantic feelings for her when they were younger. On Birdee's side, especially with her complex situation and considering her daughter's feelings, she struggles with her own decisions and feelings toward Matisse.

Read 45 quotes from the many characters surrounding the protagonist and Birdee herself as she attempts to build a new life and perspective.

Bernice Pruits quote: "People fall in love; they fall right back out. It happens all the time." | Image: AmoDays

Birdee Pruitt Quotes

"Don't you know that? Don't you know that you're everything in this world to me? And we're gonna make it through this because we are a team. Birdee and Bernice—the coolest chicks in Smithville. So don't you ever think about leaving me again... because I need you. I love you." — Birdee Pruitt

"You go around Smithville paintin' houses, and you can do this?" — Birdee Pruitt

"Have you been sleeping with him?" — Birdee Pruitt

"You know, I always thought I was gonna be, I don't know, special. But I'm not. I'm just an ordinary person. And that's ok. Because you make me special." — Birdee Pruitt

"What an imagination you have." — Birdee Pruitt

Birdee Pruitt’s quote: "She says that beginnings are scary, endings are usually sad, but it's the middle that counts the most. Try to remember that when you find yourself at a new beginning." | Image: AmoDays

"'Queen of Corn' honey. Three years running." — Birdee Pruitt

"Naked pictures?" — Birdee Pruitt

"You could... you could do so much more." — Birdee Pruitt

"You think that I don't know that? I know that I'm not what I once was. I know that! But I haven't changed so much that I would go and lie to someone that I love. God, I would walk through fire before I'd let them feel like they were nothing! And I would never break up anybody's home. Because I am not a quitter. I care about my family! I may not be the same person, but then again, neither are you. You're sad, you're weak, and you're... shorter. If you want to know the truth." — Birdee Pruitt

"Just give hope a chance to float up. And it will, too..." — Birdee Pruitt

Birdee Pruitt’s quote: "Childhood is what you spend the rest of your life trying to overcome." | Image: AmoDays

"Once upon a time, your mama knew what it meant to shine." — Birdee Pruitt

"I would have stayed with you forever. I would have turned myself inside out for you." — Birdee Pruitt

"Then you should take it. If that's how you feel, then you should take it. You and Connie deserve each other. You were lucky to have me. But you know what? I think I already got the best part of you. And she's standing right out there, and she's waiting for me. I don't know... what's left just doesn't look so good anymore. So why'd you come back? You want my permission? You want my... condolences? Why did you come back?" — Birdee Pruitt

"Who's the architect?" — Birdee Pruitt

"What can I say, mama? I am my own crown of thorns." — Birdee Pruitt

Birdee Pruitt’s quote: "Once upon a time, your mama knew what it meant to shine." | Image: AmoDays

"Mama, wake up! Oh God, please don't do this." — Birdee Pruitt

"Childhood is what you spend the rest of your life trying to overcome." — Birdee Pruitt

"She says that beginnings are scary, endings are usually sad, but it's the middle that counts the most. Try to remember that when you find yourself at a new beginning." — Birdee Pruitt

"This is my daughter Bernice." — Birdee Pruitt

Birdee Pruitt’s quote: "You know, I always thought I was gonna be, I don't know, special. But I'm not. I'm just an ordinary person. And that's ok. Because you make me special." | Image: AmoDays

Bernice Pruitt Quotes

"Is this where you were 'cream of corn?'" — Bernice Pruitt

"My dad says that childhood is the happiest time of my life. But, I think he's wrong." — Bernice Pruitt

"People fall in love; they fall right back out. It happens all the time." — Bernice Pruitt

"I love you too." — Bernice Pruitt

"She went upstairs. My daddy usually calls about now for one of his daily chats, and then we all turn in." — Bernice Pruitt

Bernice Pruitt’s quote: "My dad says that childhood is the happiest time of my life. But, I think he's wrong." | Image: AmoDays

"Why did you pretend that letter was from Daddy?" — Bernice Pruitt

"Back home, we had a pet skunk. Mom called it Justin Matisse. Do you think that's a coincidence?" — Bernice Pruitt

Bill Pruitt Quotes

"People grow. They change. They have to!" — Bill Pruitt

"I'm in love with Connie. And this is my chance for a fresh start, and I'm taking it; I'm sorry!" — Bill Pruitt

"Well, I didn't want to do this to you now, Birdee, but I want a divorce." — Bill Pruitt

Bill Pruitt’s quote: "People grow. They change. They have to!" | Image: AmoDays

Ramona Calvert Quotes

"Well, it sure does smell good, doesn't it, Birdee?" — Ramona Calvert

"You smell just delicious, Justin; you wearin' cologne?" — Ramona Calvert

"Hey, I am still your mama, Missy. You move it." — Ramona Calvert

"No? Well, that's all right; I'll figure it out with my Grandma magic." — Ramona Calvert

Ramona Calvert’s quote: "My life has no big meaning or direction or purpose, and I'm happy." | Image: AmoDays

"Mothers always love their daughters, even if they show it poorly." — Ramona Calvert

"I like all of God's creatures. I just like some of them better stuffed." — Ramona Calvert

"You have a birthday comin' up. You wanna tell me what you wish for?" — Ramona Calvert

"My life has no big meaning or direction or purpose, and I'm happy." — Ramona Calvert

Justin Matisse Quotes

Justin Matisse’s quote: "Dancing's just a conversation between two people. Talk to me." | Image: AmoDays

"No, just sweat with a little paint thinner mixed in." — Justin Matisse

"Dancing's just a conversation between two people. Talk to me." — Justin Matisse

"So I heard you'd come back..." — Justin Matisse

"We like to keep it a secret. That way it don't get overrun with people." — Justin Matisse

Carrying on the Conversation Quotes

Dot’s quote: "I know what you meant. People change as they get older; we improve." | Image: AmoDays

"But first, we make a copy. Now, we put them in the second draw under the counter." — Mr. Davis

"Birdee, Billy, and I are having an affair. He doesn't love you anymore. He wants to marry me." — Connie

"I know what you meant. People change as they get older; we improve." — Dot

Bill Pruitt’s quote: "I'm in love with Connie. And this is my chance for a fresh start, and I'm taking it; I'm sorry!" | Image: AmoDays

At first glance, "Hope Floats" doesn't appear to be a highly acclaimed film, with an IMDb rating of 6/10 and a 27% Tomatometer score. That said, the Tomatometer audience score lands at 70%, and the movie did not go by without grabbing some awards and nominations. Two wins included Best Actress at the 1999 Lone Star Film And Television Awards, awarded to Sandra Bullock.

Bullock is only one of the many beloved actors with an evident mastery of the craft. Another actor who was also phenomenal but unfortunately passed away was Ray Liotta. Read 51 quotes to remember the hours of entertainment he provided for people worldwide.