In Sinclair Lewis's novel "Arrowsmith," the author explores the painful irony of unreturned affection among people who seem to be friends but lack genuine connection. This quote highlights the discomfort that arises from such superficial relationships, suggesting that the warmth of friendship can actually mask deeper issues of insincerity and emotional distance.

Ultimately, Lewis critiques the notion that familiarity automatically equates to camaraderie. The heartfelt feelings one might have towards these "old friends" emphasize the tragedy of unreciprocated bonds, revealing a complexity in human relationships where appearances can be deceiving and true friendship is often elusive.