An excellent piece that really explores the deeper levels of what fulfilling romantic connection is made of. My one quibble is that the only two choices are not monogamy and fleeting, uncommitted sexual partners. Long-term polyamorous partnerships can have many of the same enriching qualities as "awakened" marriages, but as you note, more people makes things more complex, and this may not be an arrangement that is attractive to or that works for most people.

I really love the Perel quotes. I think she really has a handle on the dynamics of relationships.