The quote reflects the protagonist's complex relationship with intimacy and attraction. His past experiences led him to seek out partners who possessed a certain fragility and sadness, suggesting a connection between his own emotional state and the women he was drawn to. This pattern indicates a deeper longing for connection that is intertwined with feelings of melancholy.

The notion of preferring "sad women" also highlights the theme of vulnerability in relationships. It suggests that the narrator's desires are influenced by a need to feel needed, resulting in a cycle where emotional struggles become a focal point in his romantic life. This dynamic reveals the complexities of human relationships, where attraction can be influenced by shared pain and emotional turmoil.