I agree actually. You've articulated why I didn't have the rage response to that post that other people seem to have had. I didn't like the episode that much, but I think it was more a victim of Gero trying to wear too many hats. I like his writing but I really think he needed someone else to direct - it's like betaing your own story.

I don't believe in soulmates or destined romance, and I got married knowing that it might not work out but I want to try, more than for any other reason. I deliberately maintain some separation from my husband's friends, not because I don't like spending time with them but because I don't have the common interests he has with them, and I think it's healthy for him to have his own space. I wonder if that *is* a function of upbringing; my parents' relationship is a watered-down version of yours, because my father is a functional alcoholic - he can get emotionally abusive when he drinks, but it's relatively rare.

One of the reasons I like McKay/Sheppard as a romantic pairing is because of all the things they *don't* have in common. I don't believe it's a pairing that's destined in the stars, and I think they'd have to really work at it to stay together in the face of all the pressures they're under. I don't see it written that way very often, but it's how I envision it.

To cut a long story short, I'm sorry you've been feeling isolated, and I may not know exactly where you're coming from but I can relate.