In fleshing out the details of the Rubinstein family, Goodman creates a network of interpersonal conflicts as the characters discover how to love and take care of each other in more sustainable ways. “New Frames” provides a pointed example of this dynamic when Richard learns to set aside his fun relationship with a younger woman to focus on taking care of his daughters instead. In some ways, this example holds philosophical flaws, for Richard feels compelled to give up his newfound relationship in order to remain true to older patterns that no longer represent who he is as a person. Yet while Richard is new to the dynamic of sacrifice, his ex-wife Debra sees it as a key aspect of her own parenting style. In “The Last Grown Up,” she sets aside her own emotional wounds and grudges so that her daughters can appreciate their new life with Richard and Heather. Later, in “Nutcracker,” she once again sacrifices herself for her daughters when she lets them stay on at the dance studio despite her disapproval. All three of these stories illustrate the loving sacrifices that parents often make for the sake of their children.

Other stories in the book illustrate the struggles that various family members experience as their views of the world conflict with the beliefs and decisions of their loved ones. For many of the characters, accepting their family members’ differences and finding key traits in common allow them to overcome any festering animosity that may otherwise complicate their relationships. In “Kumquat,” for example, Helen discovers that the best ways to contribute to her great-niece’s new lifestyle are to withhold her judgmental opinions and refurbish Phoebe’s violin. In “Days of Awe,” Lily and Sophie learn how to show their love for each other by keeping each other’s secrets; their new commitment to each other is reinforced by the dismay they feel upon considering Helen and Sylvia’s ongoing estrangement. In “Poppy,” Sylvia bites her tongue in hopes of keeping the peace despite Richard and Heather’s break from tradition when their baby is born. In these ways, the Rubinstein family learns that making sacrifices is a powerful way to love, care for, and support one another.

In a more bittersweet example of this dynamic, the story titled “Wendybird” details Wendy’s decision to sacrifice her own feelings in order to show love to her indifferent sister, Pam. Wendy’s devotion to Pam and to all of her loved ones captures the importance that almost all of the Rubinsteins place upon family, even though they all show their affection in very different ways. When Pam tells a story about a young Wendy caring for a wounded bird, this tale becomes emblematic of Wendy’s instinctively loving character. Despite her family’s objections, the young Wendy prepared a shoebox and a bed for the bird, brought it inside, and insisted on caring for it until its wing mended. Pam recalls that when the bird started flying again, Wendy was devastated because, as Pam remarks, “[s]he always wanted something to take care of” (110).

Although not all of the Rubinsteins have Wendy’s heart for caretaking, they are all passionate about ensuring their loved ones’ well-being. Even when they meddle in each other’s affairs, they are showing love; their judgment, expectations, gifts, hugs, and even their silence all expressions of familial love.