Like many of Dessen's novels the story is much more character focused than plot focused. Similarly to Macy in The Truth about Forever, Auden faces resistance from her mother when she begins to loosen up and change. Unlike Macy's mother, Auden's mom does not try force her daughter back except for a few verbal remarks. While this may be due to the difference in the characters ages and proximity, it makes Auden's regression more high stakes, as it is internally motivated.