A friend of mine told me that his ideal relationship would be for both parties to have their own home but to be able to spend time together. I must admit that this particular guy, having come through a rather gruesome relationship seems to be in no hurry to think about commitment but I can see some sense in what he's saying. The idea of having a close relationship with someone you really care for but having a bolt hole to go back to for a little space from time to time is very appealing - so long as both of you want the same thing. The strength of the feeling I suppose would show in the degree to which each partner needed that bolt hole.

I think the majority of human beings want that intimacy that comes with a good physical relationship - enjoying life together, laughing and even crying together, knowing, if you wake during the night that that person is there. I have a number of good friends but there is only so far that good friends can go - the relationship of lovers is completely different.