The feeling of alienation can be deeply painful, especially when it's someone close who withdraws. Initially, it might sting when a stranger is indifferent, but the impact is far greater when a person you’ve shared personal moments with chooses to pull away. This transition from familiarity to distance illustrates a profound emotional disconnect, leaving the individual confused and hurt.

In Curtis Sittenfeld's "Prep," this experience reflects the complexities of relationships where vulnerability meets rejection. When someone knows your story yet decides to step back, it breeds insecurity and self-doubt. The quote captures the essence of this disappointment, highlighting the fragility of human connections and the emotional turmoil that ensues when intimacy is undone.