Relationship Maps: Partners require unwavering support

Leigh was putting the last load of laundry into the dryer when Roger came in. She heard him throw his backpack down and then heard the TV come on. She recognized the sounds of cartoons wafting through the apartment. She knew immediately that he'd had a bad day, either with school or with work. When the adult world kicked him in the head, Roger always sought solace in cartoons.

After she turned on the dryer, Leigh walked out into the living room. She realized that it must have been an even worse day than she'd thought. He was watching cartoons and eating whipped cream out of the can.

"Hi, Sweetie. Tough...