Most people who fall obsessively in love claim that it happens precipitously, unexpectedly [...]But I believe there's almost always a prerequisite. Falling in love in this way will usually occur at a time of transition. We may not be conscious of it, but something has ended and something new must begin. Romantic obsession is like a cataclysm breaking up the empty landscape. Like a strange exotic plant, it grows in arid soil. (pp. 27-28)

Summary

This quote suggests that love often occurs at a time of change or transition in a person's life. The author argues that falling obsessively in love is not completely spontaneous, but rather there is usually a prerequisite or underlying condition. It is compared to a cataclysm or a sudden disruption in a barren landscape, highlighting the surprising nature of love's arrival. It also alludes to the idea that love can thrive in challenging and unexpected circumstances, just like a unique plant growing in arid soil.

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