Content Warning: The source text and this guide discuss rape, drug addiction, and alcohol addiction.

Throughout the novel, Kate and Tully’s reality differs from what they present to others. By pretending, each character hides her true motivations or feelings regarding what are often difficult subjects.

Many instances in which Kate’s reality differs from what others see hinge on her desire to avoid judgment or her feeling that she is inferior to Tully. When Kate decides she doesn’t want to pursue journalism, she continues to feign interest because she doesn’t want to disappoint Tully or her mother, who expressed a desire for her daughter to dream big. As Kate falls deeper in love with Johnny, she pretends she doesn’t have feelings for him, even scoffing at Tully when Tully asks if it’s okay to hook up with him. Kate hides her real feelings because she believes that Johnny would never choose her over Tully. Later, Kate acts as though she is on top of her responsibilities with the kids and the house, but in reality, she is drowning. Kate chose a domestic life over a career, much to Tully’s chagrin, and creating a façade of happiness allows her to justify her choices.