Negotiations are a euphemism for capitulation if the shadow of power is not cast across the bargaining table.

"The ones who are not soul-mated ? the ones who have settled ? are even more dismissive of my singleness: It's not that hard to find someone to marry, they say. No relationship is perfect, they say ? they, who make do with dutiful sex and gassy bedtime rituals, who settle for TV as conversation, who believe that husbandly capitulation ? yes, honey, okay, honey ? is the same as concord.