[buttmunch]

I think you've made some excellent points. I've been saying right along that this girl needs a break. When I was a new mother I did all sorts of stupid things--as I've mentioned on other threads, I've dropped my kids, knocked over their strollers, missed the crib in the middle of the night...the list is endless--the only difference is is that I didn't do any of this with seemingly the entire world watching and waiting with their knives sharpened. I think she's doing the best she can and I for one am not going to comdemn her for putting together a high chair incorrectly or for tripping while struggling to make her way through a throng of paps. And yes, we've all dated losers and some have even married them. Unfortunately she's young and, as you said, was raised to be a dancing puppet in an isolated environment. I'd say while Kfed is a complete knobend he's obviously giving her something she needs (besides a good banging). I see that relationship as an extension of the relationship she's probably had with her parents: it's based on her bringing home the bacon and continuing to be a performing monkey. She's been taught that that's what will bring her love. I just feel sorry for her and hope she somehow grows up a bit.