In Curtis Sittenfeld's "Eligible," Liz has a moment of reflection while waiting for a yard service estimate. She likens her parents' home to an excessively overweight individual who struggles to manage their own body. This metaphor highlights the overwhelming nature of their situation, suggesting that the house has become unmanageable and burdensome for them.

This realization strikes Liz as indicative of her parents' weariness and inability to cope with the demands of their home. The imagery emphasizes the emotional and physical toll on the family, capturing the challenges they face as they navigate a space that has become too much for them to maintain effectively.