In Judith Guest’s, Ordinary People, the relationship between Beth and Calvin disintegrates as the story went on. In the beginning of the book, things for the most part seem fine. Even though they occasionally argue, it is evident that they both love each other and that they wouldn’t want to be with anyone else. Then something changes. As Conrad progressively and steadily improves, it seems that relations between Calvin and Beth grow worse. This is due to Calvin’s overprotection of Conrad, Beth’s narcissism, and how their parenting principles differ. This only creates more tension between the two. In Judith Guest’s, Ordinary People, Calvin’s overprotection of Conrad, Beth’s narcissism, and conflicting parenting principles leads to Calvin and Beth splitting up. Calvin is always very protective of Conrad. This is a dominant theme throughout the book and in some ways, it drives the story. This is one example in which Beth and Calvin are mightily different; to the expense of Beth. This is exhibited in one scene where Beth displays her displeasure with Calvin’s parenting when she says, “He’s not your little boy, he’ll be eighteen years old next month. For some reason, you want to think he needs your constant concern and protection. You worry over his every reaction. He smiles and you smile. He frowns and you baby him” (Guest 128). This is Beth’s way of indicating how she disagrees with Calvin and the way he is interacting with Conrad. Another scene that highlights this issue is