In John Updike's "Rabbit Redux," the author reflects on the complex nature of human relationships and the emotional connections we form. The quote emphasizes how we can create bonds with intangible elements, likening them to air—substantial yet invisible. This metaphor suggests that people sometimes emotionally manipulate or hurt those close to them, perhaps in an attempt to assert control or provoke a response, which reveals the paradoxical nature of human companionship.

Updike's words capture the sadness and strangeness inherent in these dynamics, highlighting how such interactions can lead to personal growth and transformation. The idea that we create companions only to challenge them suggests a deeper commentary on the human experience—the struggle between connection and conflict, and how these relationships shape our identities and understanding of the world. In essence, the act of forming emotional ties involves both the beauty and pain of existence.