Content Warning: This section of the guide discusses emotional abuse.

Throughout the novel, Ariane is aware that her intense love for her husband is atypical. Ariane knows that in its natural course, passion should give way to space, respect, and affection, but this is simply not true for her. She admits, “I think of my husband all the time; I wish I could text him all day … but I restrain myself, because I’m too old to act lovesick” (3). While Ariane is aware of the disproportionate nature of her feelings, she still thinks of it as love. However, the novel’s subtext suggests that Ariane’s feelings have crossed the boundaries of healthy love into the gray area of problematic obsession. Through showing the troublesome dynamics between Ariane and her husband, the narrative suggests that love, if not supported by respect and trust, can easily morph into an unhealthy and controlling dynamic.

It is clear from the very beginning that Ariane’s love for her husband is not accompanied by trust. Ariane suspects that her husband lies to her and toys with her feelings. However, rather than confront him over these issues, Ariane devises secret punishments against him, including having sex with other men.