The quote from Alice Munro's "Too Much Happiness" reflects a deep sense of alienation and insignificance in relation to another person. It conveys how the individual being spoken about is detached from the feelings and opinions of others, seeing them merely as inconsequential, akin to pests. This metaphor illustrates the lack of connection and empathy, highlighting a stark emotional distance.

This message resonates throughout the narrative, emphasizing the complexity of human relationships and the often unbridgeable gaps between individuals. The imagery of being compared to bugs implies a feeling of worthlessness, suggesting that the speaker and others hold no real value in the eyes of the subject, ultimately leading to a contemplation of isolation and existential reflection.