my tough girlfriend stance comes from my own experience. Any individual can do all the counseling in the world on thier own issues, but when it comes to a partnership, it takes two. Guys do not like to do this kind of work, typically it's a rock bottom situation, not just a moment of introspection. I have the greatest guy in the world: when our marriage was headed pretty swiftly down the drain, he stepped up to the plate and pulled his share of the load to drag us out of the mess we'd made for ourselves. It was really tough going for a while, but we have no regrets.

also, I have a good friend who is a neurosurgeon who makes plenty of time for the things that they feel are important to themselves - while still working tons.

~I.