In time, mental health professionals will understand the etiology of BPD more fully. Although enormous strides have been made in the past decade, research into the multifactorial basis of BPD is still in its infancy. In particular, studies of children at high risk for developing BPD are needed. For now, the author suggests that one can admire patients with BPD for the integrity with which they have dealt with their pain. After all, not many people remain so loyal to and so respectful of such disheartening childhood experiences.