Control.

CONTROL. It's something we all strive for in life, but, in all honesty, how often do we achieve it? Or, I should say, how often do we convince ourselves that we have achieved it? Because really, when it comes down to it, how much are we truly able to control? I think it's safe to say that most elements of our lives are beyond our reach in terms of how much we're able to manipulate and shape the way they occur.

Relationships depend on another human being with their own thoughts, opinions, personalities, goals and ambitions, making them something we are not able to fully grasp at any point in time.

Relationships are constantly changing; morphing as each person's mood dictates how they interpret the moment. They are never static, never predictable. Which can be good; it means boredom is rarely an issue, and there is always something new to anticipate. However, their unpredictability also makes them risky, almost dangerous in a way.

When you're in a relationship, it means you are allowing another individual to take part in your emotions, your passions, your life. And because you cannot control that person, you have no way of knowing how they will take and use these pieces that make you who you are.

They could accept them, embracing them as their own. Or they could reject them, disagree and turn you away. That's where the risk lies:

Do you allow another person to access control over areas of your life that are precious to you, essential to who you are?
Do you give up control of those passions and goals in hopes that the other person will agree with and support you?
Do you unhinge your inhibitions and show someone else the core of who you are, what makes you function and drives you to continue each day?

And if you do give up that part of yourself, how will you handle the possibility that the person being trusted can, in fact, be trusted? Here we must pause and evaluate what we crave as human beings, what the passions and stirrings within us are, so that we can decide whether or not it's worth the risk.

As unique individuals, we are all looking for a companion who sees us as we see ourselves. And not only would they see us, but understand, appreciate, love us for the things that makes us different; the things that others would reject, but this person accepts and embraces as themselves.

We crave the support of another human being who, although they may disagree or challenge us on some points, is willing to listen and see things from our perspective, knowing that the next minute we will do the same for them.

We seek respect, understanding, compassion and forgiveness. And as we seek all these things, we look to give them as well.

Inside each of us, there is a desire to make another person happy; to fulfill someone's hopes, to quench someone's longing. We want to give as much as we are looking to receive. And that, that, is why we must risk losing, must risk hurting, must risk rejection. Because if we don't, we can never be complete.

We must not give up after someone decides we are not the one who can complete them. Instead, we must continue seeking, continue craving, continue looking for ways to fulfill others.

It is only by allowing ourselves to risk that we may truly find, and appreciate, the unconditional love and care someone is hoping to give us one day. Until then, find fulfillment and strength in the fact that Someone already does.