In Douglas Coupland's "Worst. Person. Ever.," the protagonist experiences a moment of self-reflection while dealing with the consequences of his own neglect and mistakes. This particular passage highlights how someone can become desensitized to discomfort when they are already engulfed in their own failures and messiness. It suggests a certain acceptance of harsh realities when one is overwhelmed by personal issues.

The quote emphasizes the idea that extreme circumstances, such as being subjected to intense pressure or scrutiny (symbolized by "brutally hard jets of water"), can feel less traumatic when an individual is already struggling with their own problems. It speaks to the resilience of the human spirit, illustrating how people can adapt to their situations, regardless of how dire they may seem.