It's taken me some time to think of how to reply Frances. I'm relieved you understood my true intent. I also don't want to play the role of Ann Landers advising on love. I don't want to be the lever between you and your mate.

I think underlying the question, why do they stay, I have to consider what attracts one to another? There's more than logic involved. I suppose logic actually plays a small role. I can only define it as a magnetism. I'm back to the animal attraction theory. It explains why someone would be drawn into an abusive relationship, but not why they'd stay. Or does it? In some cases I think it's true, while others are for the many reasons above. Can anyone shed light on this? Why is power, dominance, control attractive? Is it because we fear and feel we need to be on the "strong" side? Where does good fit into the picture? Are we so conditioned to competetiveness that we automatically draw lines between weak and strong? Or is that an animal instinct? Is physical strength the only kind of strength that matters? If we look at our culture with it's heavy emphasis on sports with rugby, boxing, wrestling, etc. it seems it is. Who is rewarded for a beautiful mind? Are we reacting to the media's portrayal of beauty and manliness? Do we choose our partners because they make good copy? Please share.

"Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but rising every time we fall." Confucius