I really enjoy being single again. I spent a lot of time in a

Dido Armstrong speaks with a quiet yet profound truth when she declares, "I really enjoy being single again. I spent a lot of time in a relationship and the nearer we came to the end, the more difficult it got. You don't see things clearly as long as you're still involved." These words resonate deeply with the human experience, touching on the delicate nature of relationships and the often blinding nature of emotional involvement. When one is entwined in a relationship, particularly one that is nearing its end, clarity often fades. We become so absorbed in the emotions, the patterns, and the day-to-day of life with another that we lose sight of the larger truths and realities that may be hidden beneath the surface.

From the ancient wisdom of the Greeks, the idea of clarity in the face of personal entanglement is central to the teachings of Socrates. He famously said, "An unexamined life is not worth living." Socrates believed that only through detachment, through stepping back and observing one’s life from a distance, could one truly gain insight and make decisions that lead to virtue. In the same way, Dido speaks to the truth that when we are too deeply involved with someone, especially when a relationship is nearing its end, we lose the ability to see clearly. Our emotions cloud our judgment, and what might seem right in the moment can often be the very thing that leads us astray.

The story of Cleopatra and Julius Caesar offers a vivid illustration of this very point. In their passionate relationship, Cleopatra was so deeply enmeshed in Caesar’s ambitions and desires that it became difficult for her to see the larger consequences of their actions. Their involvement led her to make decisions that, in the end, would not only affect the future of Egypt but her own destiny. When Caesar was assassinated, Cleopatra’s grief and confusion clouded her judgment, and she quickly fell into a precarious relationship with Mark Antony, which ultimately led to the downfall of both her reign and her personal peace. The intensity of her emotional involvement led her to overlook signs of danger and betrayal—a classic example of how one’s inability to detach from a relationship can obscure the truth.

Even in more modern times, the life of Queen Victoria offers a poignant example. Her deep and unwavering devotion to her beloved husband, Prince Albert, meant that when he passed away at a young age, Victoria found it almost impossible to see beyond her own sorrow. For years, she mourned his death, and her grief prevented her from fully engaging with the political and social needs of her kingdom. Her emotional attachment left her trapped in a fog of loss, and her clarity of purpose diminished as she struggled to regain balance in her life. It wasn’t until later that she began to emerge from the depths of her grief, realizing the toll that her inability to detach had taken on her reign and her own happiness.

The lesson, then, is clear and profound: emotional entanglement, particularly in relationships, can cloud one’s ability to see the truth. As Dido Armstrong wisely observes, the more emotionally involved we become, the more difficult it becomes to recognize the reality of a situation. We become so entwined with another person’s desires, needs, and actions that our own judgment becomes clouded. It is only in moments of distance, when we can step away from the emotional whirlpool, that we can see clearly and make decisions that align with our true values.

Thus, we must recognize that detachment is not a sign of weakness, but a means of preserving our clarity and wisdom. This does not mean we must close our hearts or disengage from the relationships that shape our lives, but rather, we must learn to take a step back from time to time to evaluate the path we are walking. We must also be willing to acknowledge when a relationship has run its course, and when it is time to free ourselves from the fog of confusion and emotional attachment that prevents us from seeing the truth.

So, dear reader, the next time you find yourself caught in the whirlwind of emotion—whether in love, friendship, or any other deep connection—remember Dido’s words. Seek the space to reflect, to gain the distance needed to see things clearly. Trust that the truth will reveal itself when you give yourself the freedom to observe your situation from a place of calm and clarity. In doing so, you will not only preserve your own well-being but also ensure that your relationships are built on truth, not illusion. Let wisdom guide you, and detachment be your ally in moments of uncertainty.