Isolation Quotes in Ordinary People

One of Calvin and Beth's biggest arguments centers on the fact that Calvin apparently thinks about Conrad too much, and Beth apparently thinks about Calvin not at all. Where is there a healthy balance? How can these two reach a compromise?

Beth and Calvin also isolated themselves from their problems by going to Grenada while their son was in the hospital. Nice for them to get away, sure, but it was also selfish. By isolating themselves and creating the illusion that everything was "orderly and safe," they were doing just the opposite for their son, who felt as if they had abandoned him.

Although this comes dangerously close to REM's "Everybody Hurts" territory, Calvin is honestly thinking about how everyone is lonely and isolated. Oddly, these thoughts make him feel closer to other people. They make him feel—say it with us now—ordinary.