The quote reflects a deep-seated instinct of caution that surfaces whenever the speaker encounters someone new. Despite feeling strong attraction, there's an inherent anxiety that prompts a protective response, warning against potential risks. This juxtaposition of desire and fear highlights a complex emotional state where vulnerability collides with a need for self-preservation.

In the context of Albert Camus' work, this dynamic illustrates the struggle between embracing relationships and the instinctual urge to retreat from possible harm. The speaker’s alarm conveys a universal experience of hesitation in the face of the unknown, reinforcing the idea that while desire for connection runs deep, the fear of danger often takes precedence.