The quote from Milan Kundera's "The Book of Laughter and Forgetting" highlights the perils of early romantic gestures. It warns that initial displays of affection, like bringing breakfast in bed, can set a precedent that partners may feel entitled to throughout the relationship. Such acts of kindness may come to be expected, creating pressure to maintain these gestures indefinitely.
This idea sheds light on the complexities of love and expectation. It suggests that the early days of romance, filled with excitement and spontaneity, can lead to burdensome obligations later on. Kundera's perspective encourages lovers to be mindful of the standards they set, as failing to meet them can lead to accusations of betrayal or a lack of love.