As complicated as joint custody is, it allows the delicious contradiction of having children and maintaining the intimacy of life-before-kids.

Children are a house's enemy. They don't mean to be-they just can't help it. It's their enthusiasm, their energy, their naturally destructive tendencies.

[It] consists entirely of people who are not related by blood, many of whom can't stand each other.

Wanting to be liked can get in the way of truth.

In Los Angeles, by the time you're 35, you're older than most of the buildings.

Your basic extended family today includes your ex-husband or -wife, your ex's new mate, your new mate, possibly your new mate's ex and any new mate that your new mate's ex has acquired.