Can This Marriage Be Saved?

Laurie Abraham on what can be learned from observing a year of couples counselling: "You ask me for intimacy," Marie was telling her husband of 22 years, Clem — and, unavoidably, the therapist and four other couples in the room — "the same way you ask if I'd like croutons on my salad." She spoke slowly, deliberately, each word chipping out of her mouth like an ax striking wood. "I don't hear the difference."



"I guess — " Clem began.



"I don't hear the difference in the question." More sharp chips; Marie would not be denied. Seated next to her husband, she had turned to confront him, though, as usual, she was holding a large pillow in her lap — between her and him, between her and the…