In "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close" by Jonathan Safran Foer, the protagonist grapples with the complexity of expressing love. He reflects on the significance of saying "I love you" to someone dear, hinting at the difficulty of conveying such profound feelings and the fears tied to vulnerability and connection. The character's exhaustion leads him to fall asleep beside his loved one, suggesting a desire for closeness even amidst uncertainty.

The quote highlights an important message: while it may seem unnecessary to express love in the moment, doing so is essential. The protagonist reassures his grandmother of his love, emphasizing that such declarations are vital to affirm relationships. This sentiment reinforces the notion that love is always needed, transcending the fear of inadequacy in expression.