In "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close," Jonathan Safran Foer explores the profound connection between internal struggles and external experiences. The quote "My interior rubs on the outside" suggests that a person's inner emotions and thoughts inevitably affect their outward behavior and interactions with the world. This intertwining of the internal and external underscores how our inner turmoil can manifest in our day-to-day lives.

Foer's narrative weaves personal grief and existential questions, demonstrating that our internal realities shape how we perceive and engage with our surroundings. The protagonist's journey illustrates the complexity of human emotions and the visible impact they can have on our relationships and experiences. Ultimately, the quote highlights the importance of understanding oneself in the context of the wider world and the connections we make with others.