Certain aspects of Super Sad True Love Story parallel those found in real life, such as seclusion and ridicule due to personal differences. While the loneliness found in the futuristic setting of the novel manifests itself differently than in real life, it shows through especially in the case of Lenny. Lenny’s disconnect from his peers is seen especially in pages 57-65, upon his return to work. In the novel, most people are trying to achieve eternal life and the illusion of being young forever. Lenny, however, is visibly aging while surrounded by young people. He does not like new technology, likes to read books, and simply does not have the funds to complete the anti-aging treatments that others do. He is shamed for being visibly older and laughed at when he tries to fit in. Certainly most of us would agree that we have felt excluded at some point in our lives, whether that be due to differing interests, cultures, or personalities and this is exemplified in Super Sad True Love Story.

This scene in the novel alludes to those instances in real life, in which someone tries to fit into a group in which he or she is clearly not comfortable or does not conform to what is “normal” for that group. This is an important issue, because in Lenny’s case, this exclusion makes him want to change who he is and how he acts. Unfortunately however, real people also experience these things every day and want to change to fit in with certain groups. The theme of loneliness and exclusion based on personal differences in Super Sad True Love Story translates into real life scenarios, and shows how destructive this behavior can be to those targeted by the ridicule.