Better Half

In this specific story, i found one theme to be central throughout. Anya, the main female character, continually points out negative aspects of her husband Ryan, never referring to any positive points. To me, the relationship is very forced and stereotypical in the point of view of Anya. In other words, she is doing it to match the definition of a normal female (husband, dog, picket face, etc.). She is also doing it to potentially gain access to a green card, due to the fact she is an immigrant. Nonetheless, the relationship is very forced.

Prior to marriage, the relationship between the two was still rough. Their personalities clashed and they constantly argued. In the story, it states "It was time to ask for a favor: marry now and sort out their feelings later." This quote proves that she was very eager to get married, not because she loved Ryan but because she wanted a marriage license. When talking about Ryan to herself, no positive points of their relationship are mentioned. Although she knows she does not truly love him, she says "After all, who else was there to [love]?". This shows how she is settling for anything, in a desperate attempt to get married, obviously for the wrong reasons. The only qualities she says she does enjoy were "his ponytail and overuse of her name" which are not reasons to get married or fall in love nonetheless.

As previously stated, Anya wanted a picture perfect life. This is seen in her eagerness to get married as well as her view of other couples. In the story, when talking about friends, she always speaks about their present and past relationships. Also, when visiting Erin's home, she noticed "no pictures of a husband or children, or dogs". This shows her infatuation and obsession of a stereotypical life.

Although their relationship seems bad due to the constant fights and arguments, to me Ryan still shows that he cares. I felt this was proven as he conscientiously is quiet when returning to their apartment at night. In other words, although they were in a fight, he comes into the apartment very quietly, trying not to wake Anya and showing he cares. Also, he lays close to her, putting his arm around her making his presence known and attempting to "keep her warm".

Overall, the relationship between the couple is very disfunctional, showing the life of Anya and possibly female immigrants in general to be hard, forced, and unhappy.