Tragically, is it frequently the same elements in a relationship that subtly 'encourage' us to continue and deepen it at the time that either signal or lead to its eventual demise, or both. And yet, in order to enjoy intimate connections without self-sabotaging, there is no other choice but to participate fully in these glowing moments, even under the shadow of the reality that most will eventually fail or diminish--perhaps even catastrophically, with long-lasting traumatic impacts that might inhibit our ability to do so.