In her book "A Wilderness Station: Selected Stories," Alice Munro explores the nature of love and relationships through her characters and their experiences. One notable quote reflects on the notion of embracing a more carefree approach to romance after the end of a significant relationship, suggesting that flirtation becomes a way to cope with heartache. The character expresses a sense of liberation that follows the relinquishing of traditional commitments like marriage.

This perspective emphasizes a transition from longing for stability to enjoying fleeting connections, highlighting the complexity of human emotions following love's loss. Munro's narrative thus invites readers to consider how personal experiences shape one's understanding of love and intimacy, ultimately framing flirtation as a natural and even empowering response to life's changes.