In Joyce Carol Oates' "Faithless," the protagonist navigates the emotional turmoil of her first deep love. This relationship brings about a profound sense of loss, making her question what she has sacrificed: her heart, her autonomy, and her self-identity. The bewilderment and intensity of this experience mark a significant change in her life.

This first love affair strips away her previous confidence, leaving her uncertain and fraught with confusion. The narrator reflects on how this formative experience reshapes her understanding of love and self, highlighting the complexities of emotional entanglements and the irreplaceable nature of such early connections.