In "Remember Me?" by Sophie Kinsella, the protagonist grapples with a profound sense of guilt when observing the emotional distress of someone named Eric. His pain is palpable, and it affects her deeply. Despite this emotional connection, she recognizes that staying with someone out of guilt is not a healthy motivation for a relationship.
This realization underscores a crucial truth about authentic connections: genuine relationships should be based on love and mutual respect rather than feelings of obligation. The protagonist learns that while empathy is important, it should not dictate her choices in her personal life or in her interactions with others.