In Ian McEwan's "On Chesil Beach," the characters' relationship is marked by a pervasive politeness that hinders genuine connection. Their interactions are characterized by caution and reluctance, creating a barrier that prevents them from truly understanding one another. This overly restrained behavior manifests in whispers and deference, resulting in a lack of depth in their acquaintance.

Their mutual avoidance of confrontation leads to a blanket of silence that conceals their differences, ultimately suffocating the potential for intimacy. As a result, they remain strangers to each other, trapped in a cycle of politeness that both unites and isolates them. This dynamic highlights the complexities of relationships, where fear of conflict can prevent meaningful engagement.