Becky Tobin

Professor Pope

English 101

April 9, 2012

“Modern Love”

            In the short story “Modern Love”, written by T.C. Boyle it tells an interesting story which can relate to most people today. A man takes a woman named Breda out on a date, which eventually leads to many more. He starts to catch feelings for her, but the more he gets to know her the more he finds out, she is a germaphobe.  She hates a lot of places, because they gross her out. On one date to the ice cream parlor, Breda brought up the different places. She starts off by saying, “ I can’t tell you what a strain it was for me the other night,” and continuing her statement saying, “I mean Thai food, the seats in the movie theatre, the ladies room…”(Boyle 1). The man confused, doesn’t understand what went wrong, but gives Breda time to explain. She goes on about the different diseases you can catch, and germs you can pick up. The man never thought about it, but she made him more aware. Not wanting her germaphobia to get in the way. He slowly makes sacrifices for her.

Although the man isn’t too worried about his surroundings he is willing to follow her wishes. As the story goes on, and the more dates they go on you can see the connection they have. The man starts getting used to her, and her craziness. When they get to the point of taking it to the next level, she tells him he needs to wear a full body condom from Sweden to protect them, and he agrees to it. Weeks go by, and Breda tells him, “I want you to meet Michael. Michael Maloney.” The man replies, “Sure. Who’s he?” Breda replies, “My doctor.”(Boyle 6). The man, still willing to do everything for their relationship follows through. But little did he know what he was getting himself into. He gets to the doctor’s office, and is given every possible test. Week’s progress and the man seems happier than ever. They spend day after day together, and he slowly forgets about his visit to the doctors, until Breda reminds him.

Even though he had done everything for Breda it didn’t matter in the end. He hadn’t heard from her in days, and he would call her day after day. She wouldn’t call him back or even pick the phone up. So he decided to call her cousin, and after preparing a speech that he would tell her cousin, Breda ended up answering after all. Breda told him they couldn’t see each other ant more because he had athletes foot. The man was crushed, he went so far for her, and in the end it didn’t matter.

This story gives the message that even as far as you go, it may never be enough for that other person. It also proves the more aware you are of your surroundings the more you may get grosses out. Sometimes it’s better to just live your life instead of listening to what’s around you.

Work Cited

Boyle,T.C.(1998).“Modern Love”. The Collected Stories of T.Coraghessan Boyle Viking. (1