The narrator, a single woman in her early thirties, is cautious about expressing her affection for other people's babies. She fears that showing too much enthusiasm might appear desperate in the eyes of others. This concern creates a sense of frustration for her, as she feels constrained by societal expectations regarding her relationship status and motherhood.
This internal conflict leads her to feel a rebellious urge to openly declare her fondness for infants, highlighting the complexities of her emotions and societal pressures. Ultimately, her longing to embrace her admiration for babies reflects deeper themes of desire and personal identity within the narrative.