"L'amour consiste en ceci: deux solitudes qui se rencontrent, se protègent et se saluent."

Love is a beautiful paradox. It’s about two people who are complete on their own, yet they come together to create something even more amazing. They don’t lose themselves in each other; instead, they find a new way to be themselves, together. This idea captures the essence of a healthy and strong relationship. It’s not about merging into one entity but about two distinct individuals who choose to share their lives while still maintaining their individuality.

This concept comes from a time when the traditional views of love and relationships were being questioned. Think about the early 20th century, when people were starting to explore deeper, more nuanced understandings of human connections. It was a shift from the idea of losing oneself in love to finding a partner who respects and cherishes your individuality.

Let's picture a real-life scenario: Imagine Sarah and Mark. They’ve been together for five years. Sarah is a passionate writer, and Mark is a dedicated engineer. They both have their own interests and hobbies. Sarah loves spending hours crafting stories, while Mark enjoys building intricate models and solving complex problems. They don’t try to change each other. Instead, they celebrate their differences. On weekends, Sarah might go to a writing retreat, and Mark might attend a workshop on new engineering techniques. They spend time apart, nurturing their individual passions. But when they come together, they share their experiences and support each other’s growth. This is what it means to protect and greet each other’s solitudes. They are two solitudes that meet, not to change, but to enhance one another.

Now, how do you apply this in your own relationships? Start by embracing your own solitude. It’s crucial to understand that you don’t need someone else to complete you. You are whole on your own. Find what makes you passionate, what drives you, and invest time in those things. When you enter a relationship, bring that whole, complete person to the table. Encourage your partner to do the same. Respect their need for solitude and personal growth.

Imagine you’re sitting in a coffee shop with your friend, talking about your relationship. You might say, “You know, I’ve realized that the best thing we can do for each other is to be our true selves. It’s not about becoming one person, but about being two strong people who choose to be together.” This realization could transform the way you see your relationship. Instead of feeling guilty for wanting alone time, you’ll start to see it as a necessary part of a healthy and loving partnership.

Think of it like two trees growing side by side. Each tree has its own roots and needs space to grow. If they’re planted too close together, they’ll compete for resources and might not flourish. But if they’re given enough space, they can grow tall and strong, their branches intertwining beautifully. That’s what a good relationship looks like—two strong individuals growing together, supporting each other, and creating something beautiful without losing their unique selves.

So, next time you think about love, remember it’s not about losing yourself. It’s about two people finding solace and strength in each other’s company while still embracing their own paths. That’s where the magic happens.