Litman describes four cases, three of successful suicide, involving a symbiotic relationship between a couple. In each, the survivor reacted to the perception

of the suicide intent in the other with some form of denial and paralysis of action. The survivors recalled recent dreams in which the perception of the suicide intent was clear but the symbiotic tie to the partner resulted in immobilization. In each dream the symbiotic umbilical cord was represented by a rope, a leash, or a telephone. To cut the cord (seek help) was seen as representing death to both.