Thanks Pilot; I agree that all I can do is live my life. There are days when I am feeling strong and other days not so strong, I guess like many LBS here. I have been studying music performance and literature at Harvard. Back home the economy is so bad I dont hold out any hope of getting a good job. I may have to look further afield....my H lost his company a few months ago (OW was his development manager) so he is now technically unemployed although I cant imagine that he wouldn't have many ideas and avenues for freelance work up his sleeve. I thought that when news of the company folding hit hat H would go into more of a "rock bottom" but he seems to be taking it in his stride. What are your thoughts on OW being a 'crutch" or "bandaid" in these situations (h has no money and no where to live as he has been banned by the judge from the family home).Does length of time matter? I x