Content Warning: This section of the guide contains mention of child loss.

The novel’s fundamental conflict arises from the fact that Lucy is discontent with where she is at 26. This is what drives her to wish she could “skip to the good part” of her life (36)—a decision she almost immediately regrets, as she comes to realize that she has deprived herself of the experiences along the way that give meaning to success. 

For instance, without her challenging dating history, including encounters with people like Dale, Lucy would not be able to fully appreciate what an amazing partner Sam is for her. This idea arises in a conversation Lucy has with Faye about Sam, in which Faye says, “All I’m saying is, you have been on a journey to get here, and it’s all connected because if Toby hadn’t broken your heart, you might never have come back home, and you wouldn’t have met Sam” (275). By pointing out the challenges that Lucy had to overcome to arrive in her forties with many of the things she had always wanted, Faye helps Lucy understand that the hard times have great value. Even though her twenties are difficult and she struggles, it is because of those struggles that Lucy can start her company and a family with Sam.