"Maybe this is what alone really is — finding out how tiny your world is, and not knowing how to get anywhere else."
This reflection captures Rhiannon's profound loneliness, even while in a relationship. It speaks to the idea that being with someone doesn't always mean feeling connected. Her words suggest that real isolation comes from the inability to grow beyond limited emotional spaces, highlighting her struggle to reconcile stability with true fulfillment.
"Even though you're not my type, gender-wise, you're my type, person-wise."
Here, Rhiannon articulates her realization that love cannot be confined to categories like gender or physical appearance. This line underscores one of the novel's most important themes: connection rooted in personality and essence, rather than external identity. It also reveals her growing willingness to embrace a nontraditional relationship with A.
"...It's just nice to see you out from his shadow. Because things don't grow in the shadows, you know? So it was frustrating to see you standing there...and really cool to see you step out of it. I don't know who this new guy is, but make sure when you're with him, you're not standing in his shadow. Stand where everyone can see you."
This moment emphasizes self-worth and independence. A encourages Rhiannon to stop diminishing herself in Justin's presence and to embrace relationships that allow her to flourish. The metaphor of "shadows" highlights how unhealthy relationships can stunt growth, while healthy ones should nurture individuality.
"I can't stand being mean. People playing games. I want to guard myself against it, but I make a shitty guard for my own heart. I would rather lose the game than play it. I would rather be hurt than be mean. Because I can live with myself if I'm hurt. I don't think I could live with myself if I were mean."
This quote reveals Rhiannon's moral compass and emotional vulnerability. She values kindness over self-protection, even if it means risking pain. It reflects her deep empathy and her tendency to sacrifice her own well-being in relationships, while also pointing to the difficulty of navigating love without becoming hardened.
"Being with someone for over a year can mean that you love them...but it can also mean you're trapped.[...] There are many things that can keep you in a relationship.[...] Fear of being alone. Fear of disrupting the arrangement of your life. A decision to settle for something that's okay, because you don't know if you can get any better. Or maybe there's the irrational belief that it will get better, even if you know he won't change."
This reflection is one of the most honest explorations of why people remain in unfulfilling relationships. It lays bare the fears—loneliness, uncertainty, false hope—that can tether someone to a partner who does not truly meet their needs. It adds a poignant realism to Rhiannon’s arc and mirrors many readers' lived experiences.
