«Interdependence is a fundamental law of nature. Even tiny insects survive by mutual cooperation based on innate recognition of their interconnectedness. It is because our own human existence is so dependent on the help of others that our need for love lies at the very foundation of our existence. Therefore, we need a genuine sense of responsibility and a sincere concern for the welfare of others.« – Dalai Lama

Human beings are social creatures. From the beginning, we are born into families, growing up within communities: extended family, neighbors, preschool, school, and later, work. We cannot avoid each other. We need each other to fulfill various needs and to create life together. We are naturally designed for the possibility of creating our own families.

»Human beings are communal beings and we can’t exist or prosper by ourselves. We need each other’s support.« – Gloria Steinem

Friends

Through friends, partners, and family, we discover who we are. They provide us with feedback, hold up mirrors, and enable us to recognize our worth within the circumstances they create.

Negative environments give us negative feedback, which can lead to low self-esteem. Positive environments give us positive feedback, which contributes to positive self-esteem.

»People need people – for initial and continued survival, for socialization, for the pursuit of satisfaction. No one – not the dying, not the outcast, not the mighty – transcends the need for human contact.«  – Irvin D. Yalom, The Theory and Practice of Group Psychotherapy

With friends and partners, we explore ideas, thoughts, and reflections. They aid in our personal growth. Through conversations, we exchange experiences, ideas, and thoughts, learning from each other, and gaining examples of good practices, and ideas for our own lives. Above all, we need friends and partners we can rely on. This is what we call a social network. A social network offers us support and assistance when we need it, providing satisfaction and joy as we experience and enjoy life.

»Life doesn’t make any sense without interdependence. We need each other, and the sooner we learn that, the better for us all.« – Erik Erikson

We can only learn about relationships through people. The quality of our lives depends on the quality of our relationships. The fuller and more quality relationships we have (even just one friend qualifies), the more satisfied and happier we will be in life.

»God doesn’t intend for you to handle all the pain and stress in your life by yourself. We were wired for each other. We need each other.« – Rick Warren

Different people fulfill our different needs. We cannot expect our partner to fulfill all our needs. After all, they’re not superheroes with telepathic and teleportation abilities. Nobody can expect that from anyone. Not even your partner expects that from you. That’s why we can have different people in our social network. We can have a friend for the theater, museums, movies, concerts, beach outings, family gatherings, coffee dates, deep philosophical conversations, supportive talks, social games, dance classes, etc.

The meaning of life is to serve each other. When we do something for someone, the feeling of satisfaction is immeasurable. We like feeling useful. Mothers who are left with an empty nest often say they feel useless because they no longer have anyone to take care of.

“Only those who have learned the power of sincere and selfless contribution experience life’s deepest joy: true fulfillment.”  – Tony Robbins

“The only way a relationship will last is if you see your relationship as a place that you go to give, and not a place that you go to take.”  – Tony Robbins

Women need female companionship to share their pain and joy, realizing they’re not alone in their problems. Female friendships provide a safe space for women to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences without judgment. Socializing improves happiness and positivity.

Men need male companionship to support and encourage each other, allowing themselves to be vulnerable and sharing experiences from their lives.

»The fact is, we need help, and we need each other.« – Kris Carr

Only another person – friend, partner, child – can hug us and give us a healing embrace. A hug that is whole and strong, lasting longer, has proven healing effects on a person. I often give my children and partner a tight hug and hold onto it. At home, we call it a Healing Hug. “Come and give me a healing hug.”

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch.” – Leo Buscaglia

Partner

“I love you… I am who I am because of you. You are every reason, every hope and every dream I’ve ever had, and no matter what happens to us in the future, every day we are together is the greatest day of my life.” – The Notebook

In loving romantic relationship, we want to be a better version of ourselves because of our partner. We gain the will and motivation to create a shared life, to achieve our deepest desires. We have the biggest cheerleader. We have someone who sees our essence and recognizes us on levels no one else does. And accepts us wholly, like no one else.

Each and every one of us yearns for it. Family and friends provide a unique form of love that can bring immense fulfillment. Yet, romantic love introduces an entirely new dynamic to our lives. There’s nothing quite like the profound, unconditional love shared with a romantic partner. When we feel truly understood and accepted by our partner, it empowers us to embrace our authentic selves and pursue our deepest aspirations. However, it’s important to recognize that every relationship comes with its own set of obstacles, and sometimes, the greatest challenge lies in finding a healthy relationship.

“The number one rule is: my lover comes first. If you’re in love, you put their feelings and needs before your own.”  – Tony Robbins

“Do what you did in the beginning of a relationship and there won’t be an end.”  – Tony Robbins

“Remember: courage, unused, diminishes. Commitment, unexercised, wanes. Love, unshared, dissipates.”  – Tony Robbins

 

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