"There is something so settled and stodgy about turning a great romance into next of kin on an emergency room form, and something so soothing and special, too"

In this quote, author Anna Quindlen is revealing her thoughts on the idea of reducing a passionate and extreme romantic relationship to a simple legal classification on an emergency clinic type. She utilizes the words "settled" and "stodgy" to communicate a sense of dullness and rigidness in this process. However, she likewise acknowledges that there is a specific convenience and significance in having somebody designated as your next of kin in times of crisis. Using the words "relaxing" and "unique" suggests that this legal classification can bring a sense of security and nearness in a relationship. In general, Quindlen highlights the clashing feelings and complexities associated with turning a romantic bond into a legal one.