Ann's Difficult Choice

This character-destiny thread follows Ann as she weighs faith, pain, and the possibility of loving Glenn through chosen action.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

A Question of Hatred

Can Love Survive Resentment A question with a history Ann asks whether it is possible to love someone she hates. Her marriage has worn down her affection and self-esteem through years of criticism. No easy reassurance Chapman recognizes that her question deserves serious attention. The uncertainty continues after she leaves, prompting reflection on love as both feeling and action.

Friends Advise Leaving

Two Competing Pressures Friends' practical view Ann's friends tell her to leave because Glenn will never change. She cannot make herself accept that advice as clearly right. Faith complicates the decision Her religious convictions oppose leaving, while emotional pain tells her that separation might be the only way to survive. She feels trapped between two painful options.

An Experiment Is Proposed

Love as an Action A possible framework Chapman discusses the idea that an empty emotional tank can suppress loving feelings. He proposes testing whether meeting Glenn's needs might help change the relationship. No guarantee offered Ann is told that Glenn remains free to reject her efforts. The experiment is a hypothesis grounded in hope, not a promise of control over another person.

A Difficult Month Begins

Love Without False Claims Chosen gestures Ann agrees to try physical affection and affirming words while stopping her spoken complaints temporarily. She keeps her frustrations in a notebook instead. Inner resistance remains She says sexual intimacy has felt like being used because she lacks affection outside the bedroom. The plan requires her to act against her natural resentment while keeping her feelings honest.

A New Sense of Possibility

Positive Responses Accumulate Glenn notices change He begins offering positive feedback and responds to most of Ann's specific requests during the final months. He also listens to tapes and supports her continued counseling. Ann's feelings shift Her affection and respect begin to return. The story presents her perseverance as consequential, while not claiming that every spouse will respond in the same way.

During an early September walk

At her counseling session the following week

During the counseling session after the garden encounter

During the first month of the six-month trial

After the six-month trial and subsequent counseling