In "My Dream of You," Nuala O'Faolain explores the dynamics that can lead a woman to adopt a submissive role in relationships, likening her to a doormat. The author questions what psychological factors cause a woman to see a partner, who is quite ordinary, as someone overwhelmingly powerful, reminiscent of the biblical Goliath.

O'Faolain further critiques the nature of such relationships, suggesting that they are inherently flawed and disconnected from reality. She posits that these imbalances make it difficult for such partnerships to endure over time, hinting at the need for more balanced and realistic dynamics in love.