What is the object of the "Would you rather" game in the novel, Althea & Oliver?

Althea and Oliver sometimes played a game called "Would you rather" in which they would suggest two situations, equally unattractive and the other was supposed to say which one they would rather do or have. Ultimately, their relationship became a "would you rather" situation in that they have to decide to remain friends and always be frustrated and angry or part company and stay friends from afar but go on to live lives they can be fully present in.