In "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency," the author Alexander McCall Smith explores the emotional toll some men can take on women. He compares these men to leeches, suggesting that they drain the goodness and love from a woman's heart over time. This process is gradual, as women are portrayed as having deep reservoirs of kindness and affection to give.

This portrayal highlights the resilience of women, who often provide immense love, but also underscores the vulnerability that arises when they give too much to those who do not reciprocate. The metaphor of leeches emphasizes the idea of exploitation in relationships, raising questions about how to balance love and self-preservation.