Perhaps the most important lesson solitude offers is helping us understand our own imperfection. This prepares us to love someone else, in all their beauty and imperfection.

But a great relationship needs more than transactions. It needs growth. Love is not just compliance or trade. Love is working through it together.

Do you have a dream you’d like to fulfill one day—a job, a trip, an accomplishment? What would you like to change about your life?

A committed romantic relationship highlights this awe and respect in a different way because there isn’t one guru and one student. You are both gurus and students for each other. We

higher rates of well-being were associated more with people who had deep conversations than those who made more small talk.

Planning: I keep a calendar and stick to my plans / I don’t like to be locked into commitments HABITS Organization: I keep everything tidy, bills paid / I wish I were more organized than I am Exercise: I like to be active or do it for health / I find it hard to motivate Food: I eat healthily, or do as best I can / Life is short—I eat what tastes

people were less likely to develop creative skills like playing an instrument or writing because the most effective practice of these abilities is often done while alone. Like those talented teenagers, when we avoid solitude, we struggle to develop our skills.

Social media: I like documenting my life for my friends / Social media is not my thing; I like to be in the here and now Weekends/Travel: I want to see the world / When I have free time, I just want or need to relax Date night: I like to stay home and cook / I love a night out on the town TV: I watch something every night / I curate my shows

define the deepest love as when you like someone’s personality, respect their values, and help them toward their goals in a long-term, committed relationship.