The quote reflects a significant transition that occurs in young women as they approach adulthood, specifically between the ages of twenty and twenty-one. The speaker suggests that during this time, girls develop clearer, more pragmatic perspectives on life, which inevitably alters the way they are perceived by others. What once seemed charming and endearing starts to take on a more ordinary, perhaps even disheartening quality.

This change marks a pivotal moment in their development, where innocence gives way to realism. The speaker's observation implies a sense of loss, as the unique qualities that once captivated others become overshadowed by the harshness of reality. This shift prompts reflection on the nature of growing up and the complexities of human relationships, particularly as they evolve with maturity.