REAL-LIFE COUPLES

I enjoyed Paul Rosenfield’s “Reconcilable Differences” on industry spouses very much (July 12). It would be much more interesting, however, to learn how the real-life working couples--the ones without trainers, nannies, maids, chauffeurs, accountants or unlimited funds--handle their relationships.

The long hours, job stress and competition also relates to couples still working toward their dreams, who must also deal with making sure the bills get paid, coordinating time together without relying on the airlines, cleaning the toilets, doing laundry, planning pregnancies and taking care of children.

Most of us choose our employment opportunities very carefully and do not base them solely on financial and creative gain, but also on both short- and long-term goals of the relationship.

Funny, the Edwards’ successful marriage is admittedly based on “therapy,” the Zanucks’ on “intimacy,” the Meyers/Shyer relationship on working together.

At least the Light/Desiderio relationship is based on “commitment.” Boy, and I thought successful relationships were based on that four-letter word, love .

LESLIE J. LEHR

Santa Monica