It all began about 20 years ago. Mrs “Smith” was a 70 year old lady who consulted me for High Blood Pressure and some other problems. She was an attractive, charming, witty, and very strong willed lady. We got along famously, and I enjoyed her visits. She was brought to my office by her daughter Julie, with whose family she lived, and over whom she exerted a very strong influence.
One day I found a small glass-windowed box on my desk with a note from Mrs. Smith. It was a very cleverly constructed model of my office, with small dolls representing me and my patient. All very proper, and very charming.
I called them to express my thanks, and Mrs. Smith answered obviously pleased by my call, and to my surprise told me that the Box had been made by her daughter Julie.
I was very touched and invited them both to lunch after their next appointment. She accepted on behalf of both of them.
When I showed up at the restaurant I found Julie, alone at the table. “Where’s Mother? ” I asked. She answered that her mother was too tired, and anyway “Two’s Company” etc. Then for the first time I noticed how attractive Julie was. She was of medium height, slender build. She had short, light brown hair with blonde highlights, and large brown expressive eyes..
We began to lunch, and as we chatted I found myself more and more attracted to Julie. This time she was not overshadowed by the presence of her mother. I discovered that we shared a variety of common interests. I also soon found that although we were both married with children, neither one of us appeared to be completely satisfied. She had married for a second time a kind, but ineffectual man, who enjoyed his wine. So much so that he fell asleep while watching TV immediately after dinner. I was married to an attractive, super-efficient and obsessively neat and caring woman. She was a terrific Mother, Hostess and Homemaker, but a perfunctory and unimaginative bed partner. For a variety of reason neither one of us wanted to go through the trauma of a divorce, especially because there were children.