Up there among my primary values is independence. Since seventeen years-old independence has been at the forefront of every move I’ve made. Independence in work, in career, in domestic life, and in relationships.

Close to independence in the running is relationship. It may seem like a contradiction to value both of those almost equally. But no. Unfortunately many mistake dependency for relationship and get involved too much in a needy way. Often they find themselves diminished by the experience.

This won’t do for me. There needs to be a meeting of the minds. There needs to be two strong parties, independent in themselves. They come to a relationship in a way of enhancement, as an additional aspect, less from necessity, more from the desire to grow.