How important is independence in Olivia's life?

Another interesting aspect of Olivia's sabbatical with Cosmo is her emphasis on independence. When she realizes that he does not own the house that he has been living in for 25 years, it offends the core of Olivia's belief system so greatly that she realizes she cannot stay with him. Despite her devotion and love for Cosmo, she cannot share a life with someone who does not have the same sense of independence that she holds to be one of the key tenets in her life.