You Deserve Each Other

The house Nicholas buys for himself and Naomi evolves across the narrative as a symbol of their connection. Nicholas first buys the house without consulting Naomi, hoping to save their relationship. He makes a point of telling Naomi the house is “ours” because he bought it for them, but Naomi initially views the house as “his” since she had no role in the decision—exemplifying The Destructive Nature of Poor Communication in Romantic Partnerships. Naomi doesn’t call him out on the fact that he made this decision on his own, evidencing her struggle to communicate how she feels.

As the narrative progresses, “Our” house serves as a canvas for Naomi’s creativity and aptitude for decorating. When Nicholas first shows her the house, every room takes on a theme in her mind. She expands on each one, wanting a sitting area in the room Nicholas takes as his office, where large windows overlook the scenic pond and forest. Naomi envisions it as a cozy space with a fire crackling in the hearth, a nutcracker on the mantle, and comfortable chairs. When Nicholas installs his large, bulky desk in the room, he unknowingly destroys the mental image Naomi created for the space, but the sense of disconnect in their relationship prevents Naomi from communicating these feelings, fearing her ideas won’t matter to him. When she finally explains her original concept for the room, it marks a huge step in both her individual arc and their arc as a couple. She begins to realize her talents have value and sees the importance of clear communication. Nicholas reorganizes the space so it can be both an office and a sitting room, which represents the two coming back together. Instead of being shoved out of the space, Naomi’s decorative flair is added to the house, making it truly “Our” house.