Really Good, Actually: A Novel

“But we weren’t unhappy, just unsatisfied…until suddenly we were so, so unhappy, and we couldn’t laugh, and we couldn’t have sex, and we couldn’t order Thai food without looking at the other person like, who are you?, staring at the stranger we’d chosen at age nineteen and nineteen and a half, respectively, not hating them, exactly, but wondering if they died without warning—of natural causes or in some kind of horrible accident, not that that would be good, of course, it would be a tragedy…but if it did happen—if maybe life would be easier.”

This quote vividly depicts the gradual deterioration of Maggie's marriage, showcasing the transition from mild discontent to deep-seated unhappiness. Through the juxtaposition of mundane moments such as ordering Thai food with existential doubts about the authenticity of their relationship, the passage underscores the erosion of intimacy and familiarity between Maggie and Jon. This erosion complicates Maggie's acceptance of their eventual divorce, as there is no clear catalyst to blame or address. Additionally, Maggie repeatedly expresses the sentiment that being a widow might be easier than navigating the complexities of divorce, an idea that reflects her profound emotional turmoil.

“After six years of date nights and pet ownership and learning how to make a carbonara, there was simply nothing else to do. Jon said, ‘What do you think, Maggie?’ and I said, ‘Yeah, okay’; and so we got married, because everyone else was, and because nothing being particularly wrong felt, at the time, like everything was right.”

Maggie and Jon's decision to marry appears more as a default option rather than a deliberate choice driven by passion or genuine commitment, reflecting the societal pressure and expectations surrounding marriage rather than a deep emotional connection. This quote underscores several facets of Maggie's character, illustrating her tendency to struggle with decisions and her lack of passion for most things. As the passage indicates, she often yields to outside influence, even when making one of life’s most momentous decisions. Furthermore, the scene sheds light on the detrimental effects of succumbing to Societal Pressures and Prioritizing Keeping Up Appearances instead of pursuing genuine desires and fulfillment.