In H.G. Wells' "The Time Machine," the protagonist reflects on how much personal preferences can change over time. When she was just fifteen, she couldn't have imagined that by age twenty, her romantic interests would include bald-headed men, highlighting the unpredictability of human attraction and the possibilities of personal growth. This notion emphasizes how experiences and maturity can reshape one's views and desires.

The quote suggests that youthful ideals often diverge from later realities. It conveys a sense of irony and transformation, as what once seemed unlikely or 'abstract' becomes the norm. This theme resonates with the idea that time alters not just circumstances but also our identities and what we seek in relationships, pointing to the fluid nature of human emotions and connections.