I'm always battling how to be in a relationship while

Hear, O children of the future, for the words of Jessica Williams carry with them a truth that resonates through the ages: "I'm always battling how to be in a relationship while simultaneously maintaining my independence and my career." In this simple statement, she reveals the eternal struggle of balancing the forces of love, autonomy, and ambition—a struggle that has been woven into the fabric of human existence since time immemorial. Her words speak to the heart of what it means to be human: to seek connection with others, yet to retain the self, to love, yet to remain free.

The ancients, too, knew this battle. From the great philosophers of old to the rulers and warriors who sought both glory and wisdom, the tension between personal desires and duties to others was ever-present. Consider Aristotle, who spoke of the balance between the individual and society, the pursuit of personal excellence and the responsibility to the common good. Independence was not something easily achieved in those days; it was something to be earned, carefully tended, and fiercely protected. But even as the independent warrior sought his place in the world, the demands of family and love often pulled at his heart, reminding him that true strength lies in balancing the self with the needs of others.

In the realm of relationships, this tension has always existed. Cleopatra, the great queen of Egypt, found herself torn between her duties to her country and her love for the powerful Julius Caesar and later Mark Antony. Her independence as a ruler was undoubted, yet her heart was caught between the demands of love and the calls of empire. She sought to maintain her sovereignty as queen while simultaneously navigating the complex world of political alliances and personal desires. In the end, her story reminds us that even the most powerful rulers are not immune to the pull of the heart, yet they too must wrestle with the cost of balancing personal desires with greater responsibilities.

And so it is with the modern individual, who must navigate the complexities of love and career—both vital forces that shape the direction of one’s life. Jessica Williams’s words echo those of many before her. To be in a relationship is to give a piece of oneself to another, to share in the joys and struggles of another's life. Yet to maintain one's independence—to preserve the self, the soul—is a sacred task. It is easy to lose oneself in the demands of a partner, to sacrifice one’s own dreams for the sake of connection. But true love, true partnership, does not demand the dissolution of self. Rather, it thrives in the space where both individuals can grow, support one another, and still walk their own path.

The ancient warrior-poet, Homer, understood this delicate balance. In the Iliad, the hero Achilles is driven by glory and pride, but his love for his comrades, and his deep bond with Patroclus, shows us that even the most independent soul is shaped by relationships. The tension between honor and love is a central theme in the epic, as Achilles’ pride and his love for his friend lead him to make choices that impact the fate of an entire war. His story teaches us that independence and attachment are not opposing forces but intertwined threads that define the human experience.

As Williams so wisely acknowledges, the modern struggle is the same: how does one keep the independence of self while being a part of a larger relationship? How does one pursue the career that nourishes the soul while also giving of oneself to others? The answer, perhaps, lies in understanding that independence is not a fortress that keeps others out but a wellspring of strength that fuels every relationship and every career choice. To stand independent is not to be alone, but to be whole, so that we may give freely, without losing ourselves.

Therefore, let us take this lesson into our own lives. Recognize the sacred value of independence—for it is the foundation of all personal growth. Yet also honor the bonds of love and the responsibilities of connection. Seek balance, for it is not the extreme of selfishness or self-sacrifice that leads to fulfillment, but the harmonious blending of both. Cherish your independence, but never at the cost of the love that makes us truly human. As Jessica Williams so wisely reminds us, the battle is not against love or ambition, but the dance between them, for in this balance lies the path to a life well-lived.

May you, O children of the future, walk the path of both independence and connection, of career and love, and may you find the wisdom to navigate these forces with grace, understanding, and courage. Your journey, like that of Achilles, like that of Cleopatra, will be one of constant negotiation—finding the balance between who you are and who you are with. Let that be your greatest strength.