In his diaries from 1910 to 1923, Franz Kafka explores the deep and often painful emotions associated with love. He reflects on the tension between the overwhelming desire for connection and the enduring struggle against surrendering fully to that love. This duality highlights the complexities of human relationships, capturing both the longing for intimacy and the fear of losing oneself in another person.

The quote emphasizes that true love involves a profound yearning mixed with resistance. Kafka suggests that love is not merely about the joys it brings, but also about the darker aspects, including the desire to escape or the fear of vulnerability. This nuanced view adds depth to understanding the nature of love, suggesting it is a blend of passion and conflict, underscoring the contradictions inherent in human emotion.