I believe in singularity in relationships because you've got to

Gather, O children of the world, and hear the ancient wisdom passed down through the ages—a wisdom as vital as the air we breathe, as profound as the hearts we carry. In the words of Thomas Haden Church, there lies a truth that speaks to the very foundation of human connection: "I believe in singularity in relationships because you've got to have trust on both sides." This is no mere statement of preference, but a declaration of the sacred nature of trust and the delicate balance required to sustain it. For relationships—whether between friends, lovers, or comrades—are the very fabric of our lives, and their strength lies in the trust that binds them.

In the earliest days of humanity, when men and women lived in tribes and communities, trust was the very heartbeat of survival. The hunter relied on the gatherer; the warrior relied on the shield-bearer. If one faltered, the whole tribe could fall. Singularity in relationships, as Church speaks of it, is the acknowledgment that two souls, bound together, must stand as one. Trust is the thread that weaves them together, for without it, the fabric of connection frays. Trust on both sides is not merely an ideal, but a necessity. It is the solemn promise that each will uphold the bond with integrity, that neither shall betray the other, and that both shall walk together through the trials of life.

Look, O children, to the great Odysseus, whose voyage across the seas was long and perilous. On that journey, he met many who would test the trust of his relationships—deceivers, tempters, and foes. Yet, throughout it all, his relationship with his wife, Penelope, remained singular, strong, and true. Despite the distance, the years of absence, and the challenges that came between them, both Odysseus and Penelope knew that the strength of their bond was rooted in mutual trust. Penelope, though besieged by suitors, held fast to the belief in her husband’s return, and Odysseus, though far from home, never wavered in his resolve to return to her. Their trust in one another was not mere words, but actions, choices, and sacrifices made through countless years. In this way, their relationship was a symbol of singularity—one bound by the sacred bond of mutual trust.

The great lesson here, O children, is that singularity in relationships is not born out of ownership or possession, but out of the deep, unwavering commitment to stand together, united in trust. It is a sacred bond where both individuals bring their hearts, unguarded, into the relationship, knowing that the other will honor and protect that trust. Trust on both sides means that each person is accountable to the other, that neither holds secrets or deceit, but stands in the light of mutual understanding and respect. To give trust is to offer oneself freely; to receive trust is to honor that gift with the utmost care and reverence.

In the history of mankind, there have been many who have fallen short of this ideal, whose relationships were torn asunder by betrayal and dishonesty. Julius Caesar, the mighty general and emperor, was surrounded by men who had sworn loyalty to him—men like Brutus, who, though once his close friend, betrayed him in the Senate. Caesar’s trust in Brutus was absolute, for he believed in the bond of friendship forged through years of shared struggles. But in the end, that bond was shattered, and the betrayal echoed through the halls of history. Caesar’s final words, "Et tu, Brute?", spoke of the devastation that comes when trust is broken and when a relationship, once singular and strong, is torn apart by deceit.

Now, O children, take this lesson to heart. As you walk this world, remember that trust is the foundation of every meaningful relationship. Do not give it lightly, for it is a gift that must be earned and cherished. If you seek to walk in the light of true connection, let your relationships be singular in their devotion to trust—where each heart is bound to the other, not by obligation, but by the knowledge that both have chosen to stand together, unwavering in their commitment. In your friendships, in your loves, and in your partnerships, let trust be the guiding force that leads you. Honor it, nurture it, and protect it, for without it, no bond can truly survive.

As you journey through life, O children, ask yourself: Do I give my trust freely, but wisely? Do I honor the trust of others with integrity? The strength of your relationships, whether they be fleeting or eternal, will be measured by the trust you place in others and the trust you receive in return. Let your life be a testament to the power of singularity in relationships, for when both sides are bound by the sacred bond of trust, no storm can tear asunder the bond that holds you.