In the quote from Jonathan Safran Foer's "Everything Is Illuminated," the protagonist reflects on the nature of love and longing. She realizes that true love is tied to the profound ache caused by someone's absence. This feeling can be so intense that it surpasses the joy and comfort of their presence. It highlights the emotional complexity of love where absence can evoke stronger feelings than proximity itself.

This observation presents a poignant insight into human relationships, emphasizing that love is not just about being with someone but is also interconnected with the pains of separation. The profound yearning for a person can become a central aspect of one’s emotional experience, suggesting that love encompasses both joy and sorrow in equal measure.