Tenderness emerges as we transition into adulthood, a time filled with anxiety as we recognize the benefits of our childhood that we once took for granted. This realization brings a poignant sense of loss and longing, creating a bittersweet feeling that accompanies growing up. We become aware of the simplicity and innocence of youth, which contrasts sharply with the complexities of adult life.

Kundera suggests that this tenderness is intertwined with the fear that accompanies the responsibilities and realities of adulthood. It is a response to the challenges we now face, prompting us to reflect on the past. The journey into maturity is not just about gaining freedom but also about confronting the complexities that come with it, provoking a deep emotional response as we look back on our childhood with both nostalgia and sorrow.