diff --git a/lua/jquote/init.lua b/lua/jquote/init.lua
index f4b1512..106c9c0 100644
--- a/lua/jquote/init.lua
+++ b/lua/jquote/init.lua
@@ -97,7 +97,8 @@ end
 --- Merges user-provided options with default options.
 --- @param user_options table|nil User-provided options
 function M.setup(user_options)
-    M.options = vim.tbl_deep_extend("force", vim.deepcopy(defaults), user_options or {})
+    user_options = user_options or {}
+    M.options = vim.tbl_deep_extend("force", vim.deepcopy(defaults), user_options)
 
     local map_opts = {
         desc = "JQuote: Swap quote characters",