There's a lot to be said for guarding our precious independence when we have it. My last year of couple-hood was the middle of 1984, and I've not regretted it. I had to create a "me" independent of any man, and by golly I did. 36+ years of independence so far. Gettin' old, but that would happen regardless. Not that it's been easy by any means. But I wouldn't have done it any other way.