Often when I read serious novels I find I don't understand at all why the characters do what they do or what they are carrying on about in their angst-filled inner dialogues.  Or even in their dialogues with other characters.


Perhaps I'm reading these novels in the first place because I'm trying to understand the same thing about real people.


I generally like the time I spend with close friends but I'm usually somewhat relieved when it's over and I can be on my own again.