Hi Al, Your article is very interesting, lots of food-for-thought. You say that "All humans require reliable, sufficient and not excessive, contact with other humans... Older humans can live alone, but in what I call a “degraded condition.” " What I'm currently wondering, is how to compare the 'degradation' of my current relationship, which is not 'reliably' secure and loving - despite counselling, an Imago weekend workshop, workbooks, and 2 Imago therapists - with the 'degraded' condition that I would be in if I were to end the relationship and be single once again? I understand your point about all human beings requiring contact with others; this is the yearning that most of us feel to find a partner when we don't have one. I have felt that too, when single. But right now my partner's behaviour, and my behaviour, the bickering, dischord, arguments and fights is tangibly degrading me / the quality of my life. (And hers, no doubt.) I feel I've done everything I can. Is it time to leave?