In Milan Kundera's book "The Unbearable Lightness of Being," the quote emphasizes the vulnerability that comes with surrendering oneself completely to another. When someone gives up their defenses and autonomy, akin to a prisoner of war relinquishing their weapons, they lose their ability to protect themselves from potential harm. This self-imposed vulnerability leads to an unsettling state of anticipation, where one is left to ponder when and how they might be hurt.

This concept highlights the tension between love and freedom, as surrendering to love may seem liberating but also carries the risk of emotional pain. By giving oneself fully to another, a person may feel they have sacrificed their agency, leaving them exposed to future disappointments or betrayals. Kundera poignantly captures the struggle between the desire for connection and the instinct for self-preservation in the face of life's uncertainties.