In Amy Tan's "The Kitchen God's Wife," the protagonist reflects on the bittersweet nature of memories. She grapples with the emotional weight of a joyful moment that has since turned sorrowful, highlighting the complexity of human emotions tied to the past. The happiness once felt now brings tears, showing how time and perspective can alter our feelings about cherished experiences.

This sentiment suggests that our best memories are often intertwined with a sense of loss or longing. As we recall joyful times, they can evoke sadness because they remind us of what has changed or what we no longer have. Tan captures the essence of nostalgia, illustrating how the past can evoke both happiness and sadness, ultimately making it an intricate part of our emotional landscape.