'A secret of having a successful relationship is to be in one with a man who wants to be in one, for a start!' So Pam had discovered after wasting nearly 20 years with those who hadn't deserved her affection or her time. But she hadn't known what to look for in a partner, or even that she had to look for anything. Due to her own ignorance and stupidity, she hadn't known what should be tolerated in a relationship or that she should be treated with respect. Then there'd been her mother's ongoing aggravating presence to contend with...

<p>In 'We (Don't) Need to Talk' Volumes 1 and 2, Pam describes bouncing from one upsetting relationship to another as well as her mother's contribution to her state of confusion. And she asks herself why, throughout her life, she has never thought of herself as being deserving of anyone who was her equal.</p>