Milan Kundera explores the complex relationship between love and self-image. He suggests that our perception of love is deeply intertwined with how we present ourselves to those we care about. If our affection is contingent upon how we are perceived by our beloved, it indicates a shift away from genuine love towards a more superficial interaction based on appearances.

The quote implies that true love should be unconditional, not reliant on external validation or the need to maintain a specific image. This reflection calls into question the authenticity of relationships that prioritize perception over genuine connection, highlighting a fundamental conflict between self-identity and romantic love.