I once had a cat -- the late, much-lamented Sir Tobias Smallcat -- who, one night when a gentleman friend was breaking up me, stood between us on the couch and wouldn't let my soon-to-be ex within 4 feet of me.

Not only was the chivalry much appreciated, but in addition the breakup talk went much more smoothly once both of us silly humans were focusing on the remarkably perceptive behavior of my cat rather than why our relationship wasn't working out.

C