Relationships are hard; let's go shopping!

[muckefuck]

Sakes alive, that was one tiring conversation. A very necessary one, since it soon emerged that we've both been avoiding ticklish subjects because we're afraid of the reaction from the other person. Fortunately, most of it came out without anyone having to storm off into the other room (although I came very close) and we ended with compromise, reconciliation, and an action plan. (Which reminds me: Before I put this to bed, I need to do some looking at CD storage solutions. Bleagh!)

As for the precipitating incident, monshu said that there's really no way he can predict these breaking points. It's only after the fact that he can see the accumulation of exhausting effort and thwarted expectations that led up to them. That doesn't mean the situation's hopeless, just that we have to pay more attention to the root causes. And hire maids!