At their core, most romantic relationship problems involve conflictual dynamics having to do with the fear of "fusion" (i.e., becoming "one"/dependency/union) and the fear of "independence" (i.e., remaining separate).  This conflict within a relationship is both intrapersonal (each person both wants connection and longs for separation, to some degree or another) and interpersonal  (one partner generally emerges as the fuser and the other partner the separator/distancer).   In my clinical practice, what is most concerning is that the very characteristic that initially attracted one partner to the other becomes the very characteristic that causes distress years later.  For example, a husband may say that, when he first met his wife, he was very attracted to her independent lifestyle and attitude.  Yet, when the couple eventually seeks therapy after years of conflict, the husband may despise his wife's autonomy.  The concept of interdependence is perhaps the most optimal component of a highly successful relationship, yet it is seldom talked about or even considered to be an important defining characteristic of viable partnerships.  In the next meeting of the Dating and Relationship Group on Saturday, February 6, 2016, 12:00 to 1:15 PM noon, I will present the emotional and psychological elements of interdependence and explain why it is so illusive and often untenable in many relationships.  A process for cultivating interdependence will be presented.