Relationships ask us to balance individuality with togetherness — two people with their own spark, their own creative lives, learning how to share a path. As David Letterman joked with surprising insight, “We like other people to show themselves to us as they really are.” These reflections look at what binds us together, what challenges us, and what keeps love alive.

Just as it takes work to be in a relationship, so it takes work to not be in a relationship. ~ Kate Hudson

Whether you're married or not… there is no real security except for whatever you build inside yourself. ~ Gilda Radner

Understand that you, yourself, are no more than the composite picture of all your thoughts and actions. If you want to be loved, be lovable. ~ Denis Waitley

No matter how lovesick a woman is, she shouldn't take the first pill that comes along. ~ Joyce Brothers

Don’t confuse being soft with seeing the other guy’s point of view. ~ George Bush

Never, never is it possible to reach someone if you become angry or bitter—only love and gentleness can do it. ~ Cesar Chavez

Solitude and silence teach me to love my brothers for what they are, not for what they say. ~ Thomas Merton

You know that look women get when they want sex? Me neither. ~ Drew Carey

How people treat you is their karma; how you react is yours. ~ Wayne Dyer

There are two theories to arguin’ with a woman. Neither one works. ~ Will Rogers

Relationships carry the whole universe within them… matter and antimatter, shine and shadow. ~ Judith Orloff

The objective of two lovers is almost always the same: to find meaning in their individual lives and in their life together. ~ Paul Pearsall

Some people strengthen society just by being the kind of people they are. ~ John W. Gardner

I got a simple rule about everybody. If you don't treat me right—shame on you. ~ Louis Armstrong