In Alice Munro's "Family Furnishings: Selected Stories," the narrative presents a poignant observation about the perception of adults. It suggests that many grown-ups carry a specific mental image that creates a barrier between them and reality. This image shapes their understanding of the world and influences how they interact with it.

The quote implies that this "picture" can serve as both a protective lens and a limiting filter, affecting emotional connections and experiences. It highlights the complexity of adult life, hinting at how such mental constructs can distort clarity and hinder genuine engagement with one's surroundings.