The narrator reflects on the difficulty of forming close relationships after experiencing betrayal in the past. Whenever they meet someone new who could become a friend or romantic partner, they mentally revisit a moment from their past where they witnessed former acquaintances reveal their true colors. This reflection reveals a consistent pattern; the new individuals would likely respond similarly to the old friends who chose to abandon the narrator during a critical moment.
This realization complicates the narrator's ability to connect deeply with others. Acknowledging that those around them could easily turn against them, whether from genuine belief or sheer fear, creates a barrier to intimacy. It emphasizes the psychological struggle of wanting to love and be loved while carrying the weight of past betrayals, leading to an inherent distrust in potential friendships or romantic relationships.