DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Aly, Tola, and Eric start the Fixer Upper to help lighten the emotional load placed on women by “fixing” their partners’ maddening quirks. What does fixing relationships look like in the real world?
The Fixer Uppers use their knowledge of marketing to fix others’ relationship problems. In what ways does this story render marketing as a kind of therapy? Why do you think Aly tends to fix others over herself?
Why do you think the men in this story need the Fixer Upper’s bold promptings to start working on themselves?
How often in your day-to-day life do you think the relationships around you inform your own?
What do you think makes Tola, Aly, and Eric’s friendship so wonderfully special?
Tola is bubbly, flirty, and extremely confident, which she attributes to her ability to stay true to herself. Who in your life do you see in a similar light?
After Aly reconnects with Dylan, she notes the freeing comfort that comes with a used-to-know-everything-about-you kind of friend; “[people] who can see what you overcame and where you’ve come from and tell you how proud they are to see how you’ve grown.” How do your long-time friends influence how you see yourself?
Why do you think Dylan never tried to search for Aly after her sudden departure? What stopped him from asking Aly’s mother about her? What would you have done if your best friend had disappeared after such an important conversation?
How much of Dylan’s growth do you think is informed by Aly’s strategic planning? How much credit can we give to Dylan himself?
If you were Dylan, would you have forgiven Aly for taking Nicki up on her offer? Why or why not?
To what extent do you believe that most people have the urge to fix the regular displeasures of their relationships?
Why do you think Dylan stuck with Nicki for so long, through all the shenanigans?
In this story, we see love as a form of acceptance and understanding. What does love mean to you? Is love always unconditional?
In the end, Aly realizes that her relationship struggles won’t always require her to fix her partner, but instead will become something for them to get through together. Do you think going through difficult times always makes you stronger, more confident, and more comfortable? How do you know when an obstacle is more trouble than a relationship is worth?