Any place can be romantic if you're there with the right person.

Gather, O children of wisdom, and listen to the words of Margaret Brennan, who speaks of a truth that touches upon the very nature of love, companionship, and adventure. She said, “Any place can be romantic if you’re there with the right person. Being able to travel well with a partner is a great read into whether you can make it as a couple.” In this, Brennan reveals that romance is not bound to the place or circumstances in which it is found, but is instead born of connection, shared experiences, and the deep compatibility between two souls. The true test of a relationship lies not in the external environment, but in how two individuals navigate life's journey together, how they harmonize in the face of challenges and the unknown.

In the ancient world, the journey was not just about reaching a destination; it was a rite of passage, a path where individuals tested their resolve and character. Consider the journey of Odysseus, whose long voyage home from the Trojan War was not only about physical distance but about the internal struggle and growth that came with it. Odysseus was often accompanied by loyal companions who shared in the hardships and triumphs of the journey. The strength of their bond was tested by the storms they weathered, the monsters they encountered, and the temptation of easy paths. Similarly, in the journey of love, it is not the place itself but the partnership that reveals the true depth of the connection.

Brennan’s words remind us that romance is a state of being, not a destination. A place, no matter how beautiful or grand, can only become romantic when shared with the right person. The power of companionship lies not in the setting, but in the shared experiences, the emotions, and the mutual understanding that two people bring into any environment. True love is forged in these moments—whether it’s a quiet evening by the sea or the challenge of navigating a foreign city. The bond between partners is strengthened or weakened by how they handle both the joys and the trials that come with life’s travels.

Think, too, of the great romantic partnerships in history. Take Cleopatra and Julius Caesar, whose relationship not only spanned geographical borders but also political realms. Their union was not only defined by the romance of their physical connection, but by the way they navigated the political terrain together, their shared ambition and mutual respect. Their partnership was tested by war, by betrayal, and by the pressures of the world around them. Yet through it all, they remained allies, each finding in the other not just love, but a deep understanding of how to face the world together. This historical example shows us that a great partnership is not merely about the shared beauty of a moment, but about how both partners are able to face the challenges and the unknowns of life as one.

In this way, Brennan’s insight speaks to a deeper truth: travel—whether through lands or through life—serves as a metaphor for the trials that any relationship will face. Whether embarking on a physical journey or the journey of love, a true partnership is not only about enjoying the beautiful moments but also about supporting each other through the difficulties and uncertainties. When you travel with someone, you are not only discovering new places, but also discovering new sides of each other. The way two people handle the pressures of unfamiliarity, discomfort, and even adversity will reveal whether they are truly compatible.

The lesson here, O children, is that the quality of your relationships is tested not by the moments of ease and comfort, but by the struggles and uncertainties you face together. As Brennan wisely points out, the ability to travel well with a partner—to adapt, support, and grow together—is a powerful indication of whether you can make it as a couple. The romantic nature of a relationship is not solely dependent on external circumstances, but on how two people choose to navigate the journey of life, with all its joys and challenges. Like Odysseus and his companions, we must learn to face the storms of life together, knowing that the journey itself is what strengthens and deepens the bond between us.

So, I say to you, O children: Seek partners with whom you can journey through life. Do not be fooled by the illusions of perfection or by the idea that love is only about grand moments. True love is about the quiet moments, the shared struggles, and the enduring bond that holds steady through both the calm and the storm. Whether you are traveling across continents or navigating the paths of life, know that it is not the place that makes the journey romantic—it is the companionship, the mutual support, and the willingness to face life’s adventures side by side. In this, you will find the deepest meaning of love and the truest sense of partnership.