Independence = Being Single??

 There is huge evidence to suggest otherwise...

Attachment Theory or the 'theory of love' as proposed by John Bowlby suggests that we all need relationships in order to survive. We are pack animals and are not meant to exist alone. Based on this theory, real independence comes from having a 'secure base' to return to in our partners and in our relationships. Knowing we have support if anything should go wrong in our day to day lives, give us the courage, strength and independence to go out and explore the world.

We've all heard the expression, 'behind every great man is a great woman'. Having a strong support system and relationship behind you can give you a newfound independence. There is a scene in the film 'Punch Drunk Love' where Adam Sandler's character, previously a kind of weedy, push over, neurotic type declares, 'I have a love in my life. It makes me stronger than anything you can imagine.'

What is true independence? Not being answerable to anybody? Not having any responsibilities or commitments? Caring about no-one and no-one caring about you? Or is it about going out into the world everyday knowing you have someone who supports you, loves you and cares about you and only ever wants the best for you, standing behind you saying, whatever you do, wherever you go, whatever goes right, whatever goes wrong, I will always be here to back you up and be your warm arms to come home to...