She knew very well that people fell out, even stormily, and then made up. But she did not know how to start - she simply did not have the trick of it, the row that cleared the air, and could never quite believe that hard words could be unsaid or forgotten.
The quote reflects a deep understanding of human relationships, highlighting the inevitability of conflict and reconciliation between people. The character acknowledges that disputes can escalate dramatically yet still be resolved, a common dynamic in friendships and romantic relationships. It reveals her awareness of this cycle, but also her personal struggle with initiating resolutions after a disagreement.
This struggle stems from her belief that harsh words spoken during conflicts can linger and create lasting rifts, making her hesitant to believe in the possibility of forgiveness. In this way, the quote encapsulates a fundamental challenge many face: the difficulty of navigating the complexities of emotions and the fear that unresolved tensions can cast a long shadow over relationships.