“It's [marriage] about two people compromising, said Fee. It's about two people caring for each other and wanting to do as much as they can to make each other happy while still maintaining their own self-respect, which can sometimes get complicated . . . .”

“Sometimes other people do have problems dealing with a strong personality, especially if it comes in a girl, which seems unfair, but I'm afraid it's true.”

“Don't get me wrong: a happy marriage is wonderful-it's one of the greatest blessings that life can bring. But it's also true that a very great deal of it is tedious and repetitive, and if we women aren't very careful, the best of us can find ourselves turning into a drudge.”

“You know, Fee," said Liam, "I have huge admiration for Lulu and I'm hoping that you and I can be friends, too. But.." He stopped. "Did you ask me about my mother?" he asked. "Yes," said Fee. "Oh," said Liam. "Sorry. I was five, and Freddie was three." "Poor little babies," said Fee. "Five and three, that must have been so hard on all of you. It's a huge credit to your father that you've both grown up so beautifully. Can I ask you another question, Liam?" A little nervously, Liam cleared his throat. "Ask away?" he said. "What on earth," said Fee, "has Lulu been telling you about me?”

“Of course we all want to make compromises for our spouse. That’s part of the bargain of marriage, after all. But when compromise gets into sacrifice, then that’s when the territory becomes dangerous, because that’s when resentments build up. And the problem with navigating this territory is that there is no map, because what’s compromise for one person might be the most terrible sacrifice for another.”

“I wonder where we'll run into each other again? she said to Emma. Isn't it fun to guess?”

“Women with sisters are always kissing each other at home, and then when they go out in public, they can’t control themselves and become a menace to society.”