Jerry and Dorothy break up because their marriage is built on a foundation of pretense and unrequited love. Throughout the movie, it becomes evident that Jerry doesn’t truly love Dorothy. He initially marries her out of convenience, seeking a stable and comfortable life with her and her children. On the other hand, Dorothy is aware of Jerry’s lack of genuine love for her but chooses to ignore it, pretending that their relationship is fulfilling.
Dorothy confesses to Jerry that he doesn’t love her in the beginning of their marriage. She admits that he only “loves” her kids and merely “likes” her. This revelation is significant because it highlights the underlying issues in their relationship. Jerry’s lack of emotional connection to Dorothy is a fundamental problem that cannot be overlooked.
It is important to note that love cannot be forced or fabricated. Despite Dorothy’s efforts to convince herself otherwise, she realizes that she deserves a partner who truly loves her for who she is, not just someone who tolerates her and enjoys the company of her children. This realization prompts her to make the difficult decision of breaking up with Jerry.
The breakup is a result of Dorothy’s pursuit of genuine love and happiness. She understands that settling for a loveless marriage will only lead to dissatisfaction and unhappiness in the long run. Dorothy deserves a partner who reciprocates her love and fulfills her emotional needs, which Jerry fails to do.
Additionally, it is worth mentioning that relationships built on pretense and unrequited love are inherently unstable. The lack of genuine affection and emotional connection can cause significant strain and resentment between partners. Jerry and Dorothy’s relationship is no exception, and their breakup ultimately becomes an inevitable consequence of their mismatched feelings.
Jerry and Dorothy break up because their marriage lacks genuine love and emotional connection. Dorothy realizes that she deserves a partner who truly loves her, not someone who merely tolerates her and enjoys the company of her children. By ending the relationship, Dorothy seeks the opportunity to find genuine love and happiness, which cannot be achieved in a marriage built on pretense.