rekindled.

given the past holiday, this week has been all about the family.

a few of my cousins are in very different relationship gradients. the one, has in recent months rekindled and old flame and was glowing with happiness. u could tell the moment she walked in the door. it was nice to see. the other - is dealing with the aftermath of a long-term on and off again relationship which has just ended - perhaps for good. not so nice as she was visibly upset.

i felt her sadness.

i only met him a few times. he didn't seem right to me. She is a brilliant, tallented young girl with an amazing job, drive and so much to offer; i didn't see him in the same light. however i didn't know him well and they were very much in love so who am i to judge.

regardless, it's over now and probably for good this time. she is undoubtably dealing with being "alone" in life. this is a difficult transition to make.

it makes me wonder... it seems like many single people derive a large amount of confidence and happiness from being in a relationship. but in different ways.

for some, happiness is derived from the potential to help, "be there", change an individual that is in a "not so great place" but has "great potential". i guess the one gets the help and support they need and the other gets to feel "needed". for others, it's derived from someone who's willing to work at and take care of said person and the related sense of security and comfort which this brings. i would imagine that there are others yet who find happiness in equally reciprocating relationships where both parties are "there for" and "completely supportive of" each other. this would require 2 equally strong individuals with similar needs and goals - does this exist?

the third latters seems to be much more elusive and what everyone, in theory seeks.

in the end i wonder if most people are aware of what they look for in another person - or what they want. or more importantly, what truly makes them happy. in my head i'm certain that i've finally figured it out - although it's taken a bunch of bad experiences mixed in with some good to get there.

now if i could only find it.