Bridget tries to master the concept of inner poise by refraining from messaging or sleeping with Daniel for three weeks. Meanwhile, her mother features on her new television segment, “Suddenly Single” (91).

Jude tells Bridget about her discoveries about the art of Zen, and Bridget sees her friend Jeremy socializing with a woman other than his partner, Magda.

Bridget reflects on an article about optimizing parties and decides to apply its principles to an upcoming literary launch. She wonders if doing so will help her to make new career connections and mitigate the stagnant feeling she gets at work. However, she feels uncomfortable at the party and becomes trapped in an unwanted conversation with her colleague, Perpetua, whom she dislikes for the woman’s bossy demeanor. Suddenly, Mark joins the conversation, defending Bridget when she admits to enjoying Blind Date. They go on to discuss the democratization of culture. When Daniel tries to convince Bridget to go home with him, she refuses.

Bridget finally reaches her goal weight, but her friends tell her that she looks drawn and thin. She also forms a habit of buying instants—a form of lottery ticket.

Magda comes to Bridget’s house in tears and tells her that Jeremy is having an affair.