Long-Term Relationships

Eileen is a character who, at age 29, has been involved in a number of long-term relationships – both romantic and platonic. This facet of her character is unique in that it contrasts heavily with her use of social media, which is known for its ability to foster brief and fleeting connections rather than meaningful relationships. Beginning with Simon when they are children, Eileen develops a keen sense of friendship and commitment early on in her life. She becomes friends and roommates with Alice Kelleher when they are in their second year of college and remains friends with her throughout her twenties. Even her ex-boyfriend, Aidan, whom she searches for relentlessly on social media, represents a long-term, committed relationship of more than three years. Finally, Eileen has been working the same job at a literary magazine for longer than most people would expect; her sister, Lola, uses...