Being in a relationship means solving problems together. Many of those problems wouldn’t even exist if you were single. Life alone is often simpler: you decide, you organize your time, you protect your peace. When you share your life, the world is no longer just yours and issues of communication, trust, money, time, family, goals, and even small arguments about what to eat show up.

Relationships are not about avoiding problems, they are about facing them as a couple. They require commitment, letting go of pride, listening when you would rather argue, and forgiving when walking away would be easier. It’s not about finding someone who makes life perfect, but someone who makes the imperfections worth it. Choosing that person means choosing to go through the problems with them. That’s where love lives. (Dedicated to my Mette).