Autumn has arrived, accompanied by the familiar sounds that mark its coming. The soft patter of rain on the windows, the whistling wind, the school bell, and of course, the insistent alarm clock that heralds a new routine. Yet, amidst these signs of change, we receive calls from friends eager to share their holiday photos and stories over a cup of coffee at a seaside cafe, hoping to prolong summer just a little longer.
 

 Amongst the phone calls – invitations to hang out, one conversation took an unexpected turn. A client, who wanted to schedule sessions, replied in a melancholic tone to my question about how her summer had been, claiming that her vacation was a “social pause” to her eternal loneliness. was quite taken aback by her response and was curious to know more about what she meant, so I asked her to elaborate. She talked
about carefree nights of partying, endless hours spent on beaches with friends, and new acquaintances made both on a friendly and romantic level. She spoke passionately, describing every moment of the summer
with nostalgia. She ended her story by asking me what mistake she thought she was making that had led her to end up alone, without a romantic partner.
 

 My initial response was that in human relationships, there is no universal right or wrong, and no one-size-fits-all formula for success. Each person is unique, perceiving the world differently and seeking happiness
on their own path. Love often begins with attraction, emotion, or what we call "chemistry." These unpredictable factors are innate and should not be underestimated. But then what? Are feelings enough to move forward and
sustain a relationship over time? If not, what should we do to maintain a relationship based on mutual happiness?
 

 The key word is “communication”. First and foremost, we ought to converse with ourselves to better understand our own characteristics, to reflect, and then to list what we want from a relationship. Before expressing our desires to a partner, we should have a clear understanding of our wants and needs. At this point, we discuss with the other member of the relationship our principles and values, our future goals, and our
expectations from a romantic relationship. We carefully listen to our partner's perspective and discuss our similarities, differences, and areas where we can compromise. Taking into account all these factors, we
decide whether to walk together on the path of shared happiness or to pursue a separate course.
 

 In conclusion, it's crucial to highlight the importance of self-knowledge and awareness of our wants and needs. This understanding is essential for both personal growth and building healthy relationships, whether they are friendships, romantic partnerships, or professional connections. Whether we choose companionship or solitude, it should be a conscious decision aimed at our well-being. Honest and mindful interactions with others, coupled with a deep appreciation for life, can help prevent us from perceiving life as “some strange burden”. 1

 

1 K.P Kavafis, Do at least Try, All Poems and Prose, Papyrus Publishing House, Athens, 1995, p. 39