All the characters at one point or another in the play make an effort to avoid truthfully telling their family how they are. A good example of this starts on page 48 where Aimee asks Deirdre “So how are you, Mom?”, and Deirdre after replying with a vague “I’m good, I’m good” changes the subject by talking about a girl she knew who just recently killed herself. Deirdre continues to dodge the question, talking about her charity work with the refugees. The climax of the story comes after everyone has had a few drinks and as the night comes to a close, Erik decides to break the news that he has lost his job and has cheated on Deirdre. Because everyone finally starts truthfully expressing themselves, they are able to being to see what they need from each other, and what they need to do to make a happier family. Why is it necessary to spend the majority of the night under the cover of niceties and superficial conversations, only becoming constructive with each other basically when Erik and Deirdre are getting in the car to leave. Why did Erik choose the moment he did to really start talking to his daughters, when there would be too little time to resolve any issues that arise?