He has found himself more and more reliant on her at exactly the point that she has become less available to him

He has found himself more and more reliant on her at exactly the point that she has become less available to him

In the world of David Nicholls' novels, relationships are often complex and fraught with tension. One recurring theme in his work is the idea of dependence and reliance on others, particularly in romantic relationships. In many of his stories, characters find themselves becoming increasingly dependent on their partners just as those partners begin to pull away or become less available.

This dynamic is particularly evident in Nicholls' novel "One Day," which follows the lives of Emma and Dexter over the course of 20 years. Throughout the novel, Dexter becomes increasingly reliant on Emma for emotional support and stability, even as she begins to distance herself from him. As Emma pursues her own dreams and ambitions, Dexter struggles to cope with the idea of losing her and finds himself clinging to her more tightly than ever.

This pattern of increasing dependence on a partner who is becoming less available is a common theme in Nicholls' work. In "Us," for example, Douglas finds himself relying on his wife Connie more and more as their marriage begins to unravel. As Connie grows more distant and detached, Douglas becomes desperate to hold onto her and struggles to cope with the idea of losing her.

This theme of dependence and reliance on others is a reflection of the complexities of human relationships. In Nicholls' novels, characters often find themselves caught in a cycle of needing their partners more and more just as those partners begin to pull away. This dynamic can be both heartbreaking and illuminating, as it forces characters to confront their own vulnerabilities and insecurities.

Overall, the idea of becoming increasingly reliant on someone who is becoming less available is a powerful and poignant theme in David Nicholls' work. It speaks to the fragility of human relationships and the ways in which we can become entangled in our own emotional needs and desires. Through his nuanced and empathetic storytelling, Nicholls explores the intricacies of love and dependence in a way that is both relatable and deeply moving.