akenaton,

I found my freedom when I found the right person for me.

I had been in a previous relationship where we clicked in all the most negative ways, and it was very painful once we were entangled together, and extremely difficult in the aftermath, for many years after. I realised that an effective way to gauge the healthiness of a relationship is to look at how each person affects the other one. Right from the start we really brought out the negatives in each other.

When I found my then-to-be-future hubby we clicked in very, very positive ways. We bring out the best in each other. And it is a real relief to be myself, be appreciated for that, and be able to encourage someone else to be the best he can be too.

It's a strange paradox, that the most freedom anyone can get IMHO is to become committed to someone else, if that someone else loves and appreciates you for who you really are.

Helen

Helen