Jonathan had become increasingly disillusioned with living in New York.
-- Candace (Narration) (chapter 1)

Importance: This line of narration indicates Jonathan's increasing antipathy for the stress and supposed disingenuousness of life in New York City. Jonathan's antipathy marks the beginning of the rift in his and Candace's relationship, for Candace is unable to let go of her established routines in the city, despite their often stressful and unfulfilling nature.

What I enjoyed, or at least what I felt compelled to keep doing, was the routine.
-- Candace (Narration) (chapter 3)

Importance: This line of narration establishes one of Candace's central personal issues: she feels unable to change or abandon the specific routines she has established. She does not find her job fulfilling, and she is not especially fulfilled by life in New York City, but she seems to be too afraid to abandon her job and her routines in search of something that would make her happier.

The most banal activities...
-- Candace (Narration) (chapter 4)