There was a short story reading on Public Radio, and I can't remember the author. The story is about a man leaving his girlfriend who becomes afflicted with multiple sclerosis. My boyfriend has severe depression, and many unresolved problems. We live together, and I feel that I am a hostage to his illness. He has left his wife and child for me.
Religion offers solace to some.
I have been married to a religious fanatic for 16 years, and I know that it's just one path, one way of dealing with chaos, confusion, and loneliness. I believe that what should really be taught in schools is altruism. But it can never be done - because everything in this country is based on the good old rationalist Cartesian fallacy. Thanks for listening.