[Hermes]

Is Peak Oil better met with a partner or without a partner?

MUCH better met WITH a partner. I'd say met with a tribe, as the earlier poster posted. The more diversity in a group that can be thrown at problems that arise, the better.

To me that means not only working on having a familial situation that involves lots of trust between the members, but also fostering lots of friendships and ties with neighbors that also build trust. Borrowing chainsaws from one another, watching one anothers' children, house sitting for others...that kind of thing.

It is my opinion that in the USA people are mostly living insular lives, being told that relying on others is a sign of mental, financial and social weakness. Sharing what little surplus we have with our neighbors, friends and family members is going to help a lot in the years to come. Getting together as communities and figuring out solutions to local problems is also going to be BIG. Starting out these habits now is going to help a great deal.

What is the right partner?

I'm not sure what yours is ... but I've found mine!

I think the answer to that question is bigger than just Peak Oil. I'd suggest focussing more on the quality of your relationship with said person rather than what their apparent PO related skills might happen to be. Peak Oil is just going to be the backdrop of your relationship together with your partner...not THE relationship itself...

[mpg]

I would expect that the divorce rate will fall if economic conditions worsen, even with the added stress. It can be tough going it alone. Western society has gotten very independent (you can decide for yourself if its better or worse) in a few decades, peak oil will lead it to snap back unless we head straight to Madmax scenarios.