In John Scalzi's "Old Man's War," the quote reflects the perspective of youthful infatuation, suggesting that romantic feelings during teenage years are often apparent to everyone around the couple, except for the individuals involved. This highlights the naive nature of first love, where emotions can cloud judgment and make it difficult to see the relationship clearly.

This observation captures the essence of teenage relationships, illustrating how love can create a bubble that isolates the lovers from external insights. It underscores a poignant truth about growing up, where experiences and emotions can sometimes lead to blind spots in one’s understanding of romantic dynamics.