In the novel "Prep" by Curtis Sittenfeld, the protagonist expresses deep emotional pain caused by a significant person in her life. This revelation highlights the impact that relationships can have on self-esteem and personal worth. The character's struggle reflects a broader theme of how important interactions can shape one's identity and feelings, often for the worse.

The line, "And the reason I'm telling you all this is that I want you to know no one in my life has ever made me feel worse about myself than you," encapsulates the weight of negative influences in intimate relationships. It illustrates the complexity of human connections and the lasting consequences they can have on an individual's mental state and self-perception.