Alicia Stoute  
   ENGLISH 102
   Question # 1

     I believe the authors wanted to show how extremely selfish and one sided relationships can be at times. One party seems more invested in these relationships than the other, the whole idea of what love should be is misconstrued. Relationships aren't as straight forward as we would want to believe, communication is very essential in any relationship. It is quite clear in these stories that there is a lack of communication that causes the relationships to suffer. One party speaks but the other rarely listens or just hears what they want to.
     In the story “Hills like White Elephants” by Ernest Hemingway we have a girl and her American boyfriend discussing her having an operation (abortion) and if it will change the dynamics of their relationship. She seems very apprehensive and undecided as to what she should do. The American keeps telling her that nothing will change when clearly there is already tension in the relationship. Whether or not she chooses to go through with the procedure (abortion) I am quite doubtful they will stay together..
     In “HOW” by Lorrie Moore we have a young woman facing conflicting feelings she’s at a point in her relationship where she feels smothered, she desires more than what her boyfriend has to offer. She wants to leave but his sudden illness and her feelings of guilt keeps her in the relationship. She starts having an affair and soon after leaves him feeling angry and dejected.
     Finally “The Sun, The Moon, The Stars” by Junot Diaz depicts a young man that refuses to take personal responsibility for his actions. He cheats on his girlfriend and then views his indiscretion as a mere causality, whereas she is heartbroken and struggles with her mixed feelings towards him, never really been able to get pass his infidelity. She eventually leaves him but he still doesn't see the error of his ways. He believes that he is a good guy and that they can work it out.
     Relationships are like an investment; you have to be willing to put in the time to make it work. Too often, people are not willing to make that investment and some find that they no longer have the same feelings they once did for the other person. Nothing is set in stone when it comes to relationships, change is inevitable, it just depends on if you are willing to grow with that person or move on.