I'm selfish, impatient, and a little insecure. I make mistakes

That quote is widely attributed to Marilyn Monroe, but there is no verified evidence that she ever said or wrote it.

“I'm selfish, impatient, and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I'm out of control, and at times hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best.”
— Commonly attributed to Marilyn Monroe

Authenticity

Despite its popularity online and frequent association with Monroe, no reliable source — such as an interview, diary, or published work from her lifetime — contains this statement. It does not appear in any authenticated collection of her quotes, letters, or speeches.

Researchers and biographers of Monroe (such as Sarah Churchwell and Lois Banner) have noted that this quote’s tone and phrasing don’t match Monroe’s documented style of speaking or writing. It likely originated decades after her death, gaining viral traction in books, posters, and later on the internet.

Interpretation

While the sentiment — embracing one’s flaws and expecting unconditional acceptance — aligns with how people perceive Monroe’s persona (bold, self-aware, and misunderstood), it’s best described as a modern fabrication inspired by her image, not her actual words.

✅ Summary

• Claimed author: Marilyn Monroe

• Authenticity: ❌ Unverified / misattributed

• Earliest appearance: Circulated posthumously, likely in the 1980s–1990s

• Meaning: A declaration of self-acceptance and resilience in relationships

So, while it sounds like something Marilyn Monroe might have said, there’s no historical record confirming she ever did.