The quote "Absence doesn't make the heart grow fonder. It makes people think you're dead." by Christopher Fowler, in his book "The Book of Forgotten Authors," presents a witty and somewhat cynical take on the idea of absence in relationships. Rather than suggesting that distance enhances affection, it implies that prolonged absence can lead to neglect or disconnection, where others may assume an individual is no longer present or relevant.

This perspective challenges conventional beliefs about longing and separation, emphasizing that being forgotten can occur without deliberate intent. Fowler's words remind us of the importance of staying connected, as absence may lead to diminished feelings rather than cherished memories, underlining the necessity for communication in sustaining relationships.