In Alice Munro's selected stories, the complexities of marriage and relationships are explored, particularly through the lens of fidelity and commitment. A statement made at a gathering suggests that marriage allows for genuine affairs, implying that the nature of relationships shifts once the commitment is made, contrasting with the more uncertain and superficial connections found in courtship.

This perspective raises intriguing questions about loyalty and emotional intimacy within marriage. It highlights the idea that the depth of relationships can transform after vows are exchanged, suggesting that the parameters of love and infidelity become more nuanced, leading to deeper, yet potentially more complicated, bonds between partners.