| Part 1 | Part 2 | Next | Part 5 | Part 6 |
| Table of Contents |

"For the record," Jennifer interrupted, "I would deign to point out that we still have not heard from that elusive secondary structure. May we in the audience look forward to the happy occasion when our concerns in this matter may be allayed in a suitable manner by the speaker?"

"At this time, all that can be said is: the issue of secondary structure is a matter of family values. Please, I can say no more."

"Please," she confirmed, "say no more."

Like a performer who doesn't know when to get off stage, I plunged on, hoping to resurrect my act from its condition of code blue. "The folding aspect of a preference sequence should, perhaps, be construed more in a metaphorical sense than a literal manner. The idea of folding is intended to provide a concrete image for thinking about the way in which different aspects of one's preference hierarchy are drawn toward, or pushed away from, other aspects of that hierarchy.

"As is the case with proteins, the primary and tertiary structure of a given person's preference hierarchy sequence has a lot to do with the functional character of such a sequence. A person who most values trust, commitment, compromise, stability, and security, probably will operate or function in a very different way from a person who primarily values independence, passion, creativity, growth, and career.

"Unlike the case with amino acids and proteins, the different themes that make up the preference sequences of two people can serve as both catalysts as well as structural building blocks for a relationship. Whether, in any given set of relational circumstances, a theme serves primarily as a catalyst or a structural building-block would depend on the specific character of those circumstances.

"Sometimes, for instance, trust or passion or independence could serve as catalysts for enhancing a relationship. At other times, these same themes may serve as building blocks which lay down a foundation for, as well as help give shape to, the development of other aspects of the interactive dynamics of the preference hierarchy sequences of, say, a woman and a man.

"In addition, as with proteins, if the primary and tertiary structures of one person's preference hierarchy sequence is not compatible with the primary and tertiary structure of another person's preference hierarchy sequence, then the relationship may be dysfunctional. In other words, under such circumstances, sooner or later, the building-blocks and catalytic processes that are necessary for the continued, effective life of the relationship will either breakdown or lead to numerous kinds of stresses, strains and distortions in the relationship.

"Although both polypeptide chains and preference sequences may enter into complex folding arrangements, often times, only certain portions of these folded structures serves as the primary site of activity. However, the overall pattern of folding has been necessary in order to create the sites which have just the right kinds of properties to become the focus of effective or functional interaction with, say, other proteins.

"Consequently, for one individual, the attractive and repulsive characteristics of her or his preference hierarchy sequence may create a pattern of folding that brings together, from different parts of that person's preference sequence, themes of sexuality, career, family, trust, respect and stability. For the individual in question, this complex of themes, along with the dynamics which link the elements of this complex together, constitute the primary site of activity through which this individual relates to his or her partner.

"There may be other secondary, tertiary or quaternary sites of relational activity. These additional sites have been created in the same way as the primary site of activity.

"In other words, they are created through the manner in which the attractive and repulsive dynamics of a person's preference hierarchy cause themes from various sections of the sequence to come together to form complexes with different kinds of properties and functions. The thematic composition of these sites would vary from person to person, and even within a person over time.

"In view of the foregoing possibilities, one might conjecture something along the following lines. A person would tend to interact with different people through means of those kinds of activity site in her or his folded preference sequence that had a form or shape which was most likely to establish a workable fit with some activity site, or sites, with the other person's complex, multi-dimensional folding arrangement of her or his own preference sequence.

"As is the case with polypeptide chains, so, too, preference hierarchy sequences are affected by environmental conditions. Such conditions may either help the viability of such chains and sequences, or undermine their viability.

"In biochemistry, when a protein loses its functional integrity as a result of environmental conditions, such as heat, pH values, and so on, the protein is said to be denatured. The same sort of thing happens in relation to preference hierarchy sequences.

"However, in these latter cases, the environmental forces that help lead to the denaturing of a person's preference hierarchy have more to do with social, political, spiritual, philosophical, and economic conditions than purely physical forces such as heat, pH values and the like."

"What about illness and death?" Jennifer inquired. "These conditions involve physical processes.

"Some of us in the audience might be willing to hazard a guess that these physical conditions could have a fairly sizable denaturing impact on an individual's preference hierarchy. Certainly, rumors abound in this regard with respect to death.

"I, myself, of course, have not, yet, had an encounter of the inevitable kind with a denaturing process which involves, shall we say, extreme prejudice to my bodily wherewithal. I've been told, nonetheless, that I'm on an intercept slope with such an event."

"Young lady," I remarked, "your point is well taken, and when my article comes out, I'll be sure to refer to this contribution of yours in an appropriately obscure footnote. Having said this, however, I hope you will permit me to suggest to you that I fear you may not have entered into the proper spirit of things with such intrusive commentary."

"I can't do anything about the hoping part of your request," Jennifer countered, "but I'm afraid I'll have to say no to the permission-seeking part of your offer."

"But," I objected, "since I already have made the suggestion that you are refusing me the permission to make, what do you propose that I do?"

"Oh! that is such a leading question, sir, but I'd settle for having the whole matter stricken from the cosmic recording of this event."

"So noted," I said, "but such a possibility seems beyond the capabilities of this humble person.

"May I continue anyway?" I asked.

"If you must," Jennifer replied.

| Part 1 | Part 2 | Next | Part 5 | Part 6 |
| Table of Contents |