In Jodi Picoult's book "Handle with Care," the quote emphasizes the idea that many who extend their help often do so for their own emotional relief rather than out of genuine altruism. This perspective suggests that offers of assistance can be rooted in self-serving motives, where the helper seeks to alleviate their own discomfort in facing another's suffering.

Picoult further explores the notion of superstition, illustrating how people may engage in acts of kindness or follow certain rituals to shield themselves from misfortune. These actions reflect a deep-seated belief that by helping others, one might somehow avoid similar hardships in their own life, revealing a complex interplay between compassion and self-preservation.