Jerry was interested in Meridian as an adolescent 'date'. Alden viewed her as a stereotypical woman of the '40s. Clay was the first male who wanted to know her as a person and treated her as a lover. He challenged her opinion of her value as a scientist, her appreciation of her sexuality and her value as a human being. I think the depth and beauty of their relationship solidified her decision to stay with Alden in the end.
The love of my life has been a constant catalyst to become the woman I am meant to be, to overcome a domineering father and demeaning brothers. I count myself among the lucky!