The quote from Nick Hornby's book "How to Be Good" highlights the contrast between the ease of loving distant or idealized figures, like celebrities or abstract concepts, and the difficulty of maintaining a civil relationship with those with whom we have shared intimate moments. It suggests that love for familiar people is often more complex and challenging than the affection we might feel for those far removed from our daily lives.

This observation points to the intricacies of personal relationships, particularly with those we have a history with. While it can feel effortless to express affection for someone we do not know personally, navigating the emotional terrain of loved ones we’ve shared significant experiences with requires greater effort and understanding. Ultimately, Hornby emphasizes that true love entails more than just feelings; it involves commitment and tolerance amidst shared history and complexity.