“I've had a perfectly wonderful evening but this wasn't it”

Simplified Meaning:

Imagine being invited to a party that you thought would be fun, but when you get there, it turns out to be boring and not what you expected. You might think back to another evening where you really did have a great time—maybe a night out with friends where you laughed a lot and felt happy. The quote is saying that although it’s possible to have amazing experiences, this particular event or evening didn’t meet those expectations. It's like comparing a favorite meal you had before to a disappointing dish you just ate at a restaurant. It helps to see how our experiences can vary widely and reminds us to seek out what truly brings us joy. If you find yourself in a situation that isn’t enjoyable, think about past good times to understand what you really value and what makes you happy. This way, you can make better choices in the future about how to spend your time and who to spend it with. For example, if you love dancing and having deep conversations, look for social events that offer those things.