@Jake: Well, thanks for 'listening'!
And you're right - poor listening skills aren't limited to only one gender. I value listening, but am aware that there are times when I'm not as good at it as I'd like to be, like when I'm extra tired or feeling especially lonely.
Intimate relationships seem terribly messed up to me. I see lots and lots of bad examples, and not very many bright(er) ones. I think everyone probably struggles in their intimate relationships, but too many people not really understanding what it takes to make a relationship last, or too hard-headed to embrace the change that it takes. Obviously, it takes two people to make one work, but I've come to the conclusion that the only truly blameless person is one who busts their tail to win the other person over with love - and most of us stop far short of that point.
As to topics like the 'language of apology' and shame vs. resentment, I love stuff like that, so I'll keep posting. Thank you for the encouragement! :)
