In "My Sister, My Love" by Joyce Carol Oates, the protagonist Tyler expresses a sense of pride in their uniqueness, feeling that their generation embodies a new evolution of identity. He refers to being normal as merely being average and uninteresting, indicating a complex relationship with societal expectations. This mindset makes Tyler feel above conventional norms, which he associates with a certain coolness.

Tyler discusses his diagnosis of Acute Premature Melancholia (A.P.M), indicating it's usually found in older adults but runs in his family. He perceives himself and others, like Sky, through the lens of their emotional struggles, suggesting that their discomfort and unique outlook on life stem from deeper issues, highlighting their feelings of alienation and melancholy.