This Could Be Us

One of the strongest throughlines in the novel is the idea that understanding and accepting oneself is fundamental to peace of mind and to the ability to relate to and nurture others. Soledad makes the radical choice to focus on self-care to heal from Edward’s betrayal and the breakdown of her marriage. Rather than turning to romance to distract or rescue her, Soledad commits to self-partnering—relearning to trust and follow her own instincts. She finds that her growing confidence, security, and maturity make her a better partner, mother, sister, and friend.

Edward’s crime and infidelity jolt Soledad into recognizing the degree to which he has taken her for granted and devalued her: “All these years I thought we were working together, but Edward thought I wasn’t working at all. He viewed me as a dependent, not a partner” (153). Her life until now has played into the common cultural script that values salaried work above domestic labor. Soledad’s triumph is figuring out how to make an income out of her household skills. She learns that her skills have entertainment and educational value to other people and that she can use her self-care quest to build a community online. Followers flock to her videos about getting dressed for a solo date or refurbishing Edward’s man cave into her she shed, as her decision to address her own needs and wants resonates with others.