Deb & I agreed that one of the many things we found attractive about each other is our ability to be just fine on our own. When we'd met we'd each been single for several years. I could cook, do my own laundry, and keep my house clean(ish); Deb could drive a nail, mow her grass, and take care of her own car. We appreciate our mutual independence!

I haven't traveled for business since 2007, so I have not left Deb alone in that time, but she has "abandoned me" for Girls' Weekends, visits to family when I had to work, whatever. And she knew I'd be Just Fine. (Okay, my "hind brain" that monitors her status in bed notices she's not there the first night and gets anxious, but otherwise it's all good.) But of course, I know she's coming back.

I don't know that I would be able to handle life anymore if she didn't, though. Ah well, not planning on that happening (other than keeping our wills up to date as part of Good Retirement Planning).