"Amar no es solo mirarse el uno al otro, es mirar en la misma dirección."

This quote beautifully captures the essence of true love. It's not just about the romantic moments of staring into each other's eyes, it's about shared goals and a united vision for the future. Think about it—it's not enough to just be in love; you need to be on the same page about where you're headed.

Historically, this quote comes from Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, a French writer and aviator, best known for "The Little Prince." He had a knack for capturing the complexity of human relationships with simple, poetic clarity. This idea probably emerged from his reflections on relationships and the importance of mutual goals.

Imagine a couple, Sarah and John. Sarah dreams of traveling the world, experiencing new cultures, and living a life full of adventure. John, on the other hand, values stability and yearns to build a cozy home in the countryside. They might love each other deeply, but their visions for the future are fundamentally different. Over time, this disparity could lead to tension and dissatisfaction because they aren't moving in the same direction.

Now, think about a different couple, Emma and Liam. They both share a passion for environmental conservation. They might have their disagreements and differences, but their shared vision keeps them united. They spend weekends volunteering at local cleanups, plan eco-friendly vacations, and dream of starting an environmentally sustainable business together. Their love is strengthened by their common goals and the shared direction in which they’re heading.

So, how can you apply this wisdom to your own life? Start by having honest conversations with your partner about your future. What are your dreams, goals, and values? Make sure you're aligned on the big things. It's okay to have different interests and hobbies—those are what make each person unique—but when it comes to your vision for the future, you should be in sync.

If you're single, think about your own goals and values. What direction do you want your life to take? When you meet someone new, see if their vision aligns with yours. It's not just about the initial spark; it's about whether you can build a future together.

Let’s dive into a relatable scenario. Imagine sitting in a cozy coffee shop with your best friend. You’re sharing stories about your latest adventures in dating. Your friend, Alex, is excited about a new person they've been seeing. Alex explains how they’ve been mesmerized by candlelit dinners and long walks on the beach, but something feels off. They realize they haven’t talked about where they see themselves in five years.

You suggest, “Hey Alex, those romantic moments are great, but have you guys talked about what you both want in the long run? Like, do you both want kids? Or maybe you both have a dream of living in a big city or a small town?”

Alex pauses, taking a sip of their latte, and nods slowly. “You’re right. I guess we’ve been so caught up in the now that we haven’t looked at our future directions.”

That moment, you both realize that while those magical moments are important, the real magic lies in dreaming and planning together. It’s about walking hand in hand towards the same horizon, knowing that the journey you’re on is built on shared dreams.

So, next time you’re swept up in the romance, take a step back and ask yourself—are we looking in the same direction? Because love isn’t just about the present; it’s about building a future together, one shared vision at a time.