[hoosiermama]

it's as if there's some ticking time bomb that we could only see in retrospect. there were subtleties...the self-absorption, the lack of self-insight but ability to read others amazingly well (altho rarely choosing to respond compassionately to their observations), the consistent prioritizing of self over marriage or children. and then something sets off the bomb--trauma, death of a family member, or just realizing they're middle-aged--and the brakes come off. take no prisoners, screw the collateral damage, I'm entitled to happiness by god and you're not gonna keep me from it...in fact, come to think of it, I'm entitled to whatever I decide I want at any given time. which includes my good reputation and being admired and adored by friends, colleagues and onlookers.

sound familiar? somebody really should do a study (can you tell I work in research now?) because this is such a consistent syndrome of behaviors, and it's so destructive to society in general...know any grant-writers?