The concept of nostalgia can be paradoxical, especially when it arises in the presence of someone we cherish. The feelings of longing and sadness can disturb the present moment, leading to questions about our emotional experience. How can one feel the absence of a person who is currently there, and what causes such a sense of loss when they are right in front of us?

This feeling often stems from an awareness of impermanence and the transient nature of relationships. The idea that the future might hold a time when that beloved person is no longer part of our lives can evoke a sense of nostalgia, making one yearn for moments that have not yet occurred. Kundera eloquently captures this interplay between presence and absence, emphasizing how our awareness of potential loss can taint our current experiences with longing.