she was plain verging on ugly, and he was very handsome, and had many very beautiful women around him, one of whom he married and lives quite happily with what a sad commentary...

I've got friends who've never been in a long-term relationship and I believe it is mostly because of what Helen points out...committing takes too much, causes one to have to examine how they feel about themselves, etc. and, too, I believe it can be a safety measure when one doesn't feel "good enough" or "worthy" of a relationship. A lot of people don't love themselves enough to have the confidence for a healthy relationship, so they choose forbidden fruit...unrequited love.

kat