The couple are both avoidant, and they have great needs for meaning, assertiveness and efficiency in their life. It's frustrating and sad for me that they have no outside help, nobody that can can provide any significant guidance. Taneda is trying to take a lot of the responsibility for providing meaning but doesn't have high enough empathy or insight which ends up enabling Meiko's lack of accountability. It's hard for any of the characters to be vulnerable with each other but they do take steps towards growth. I was touched by several of the main characters' outbursts and moments of assertiveness (most relevant scene for meis when they talk to the producer about their record.)