The normal family triangle, then, provides the daughter with a stage upon which to rehearse her separate identity. When the parents' marriage is relatively free of conflict, the daughter can go from one parent to the other for an emotional safety valve, to let off steam. Having equal, unambivalent access to both parents—and spared their competition for her loyalty—she can then concentrate not so much on dual allegiance as on simply growing up.
steve ray
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/not-a-poem-just-thoughts-of-years-ago/
