In the book, a young guy navigates love, fear, envy, fury, and loss in romantic relationships. He struggles to balance his partner's needs with his own, and he avoids being overprotective. The young man also wonders if love is emotional baggage and if modern romantic relationships may end happily. He contemplates marrying and ceding authority. The book tackles love, family, control, and freedom via the young man's upbringing and romantic relationship views. He finally accepts love and discovers how difficult and painful it is.