It's often just enough to be with someone. I don't need to touch

"It's often just enough to be with someone. I don't need to touch them. Not even talk. A feeling passes between you both. You're not alone." These words from Marilyn Monroe carry a truth about the profound nature of human connection—one that transcends the need for words, for touch, or even for overt acknowledgment. In this simple, yet powerful statement, Monroe speaks of a connection that is deeper than the physical or the verbal. It is the kind of connection that speaks directly to the soul, a bond that is felt beyond the surface of ordinary interaction. Sometimes, the mere presence of another is enough to banish loneliness, to fill the spaces within us that we so often struggle to fill with the noise of the world.

In the ancient world, the great philosophers understood this subtle form of connection. Aristotle, in his writings on friendship, spoke of the rare bond between true friends—one where the mere presence of the other person could bring peace to the heart. He understood that words, and even physical touch, were not the only means of connecting with another. True friendship, he said, was based on a mutual understanding and a shared spirit. It was the kind of bond that could exist even in silence, where each person understood the other without the need for explanation. This connection, like the one Monroe speaks of, transcends the need for conversation or physical interaction. It is rooted in shared being, in the simple awareness that another soul is there, beside you.

Think of the silent bond between two warriors who have fought together through many battles. Though no words are exchanged, no touch is felt, there exists between them an understanding, a shared experience of hardship and survival. In the ancient tales, we often hear of companions who do not need to speak to communicate. Achilles and Patroclus, bound together by the intensity of their friendship, shared a connection that required no explanation. Even in the heat of battle, when words would be drowned out by the clamor of war, their bond was unspoken but unshakable. Silence, in such a relationship, was not a barrier, but a profound expression of trust and mutual respect.

This kind of connection also existed between great thinkers who did not speak for the sake of speaking, but instead communicated through the deep currents of their thoughts. Buddha, for instance, often spoke of the value of mindfulness—a practice that allows one to connect with the present moment without the need for external distractions. In his teachings, the silence between people could be just as profound as any words spoken. It is in that silence, that feeling that passes between people, that the truest connections are forged. The presence of another human being becomes a reflection of the sacred connection we all share, one that exists beyond the confines of time, language, and space.

The lesson within Monroe's words is that connection is not always about outward gestures; sometimes it is the quiet presence of another that makes us feel less alone. This speaks to the core of what it means to be human—to need each other, not for the sake of what we can do for one another, but simply for the sake of being together. In the stillness of being near another soul, we find comfort, understanding, and healing. This is the kind of connection that can exist even in a crowded room, yet still leave one feeling isolated—for it is not the quantity of people around us that matters, but the quality of our bond with them.

In modern times, we often find ourselves caught in the rush of external validation. We believe that to be known by others, we must talk, explain, and perform our roles for the world. Yet, as Monroe reminds us, there is a profound peace to be found in the simple act of being with someone, without expectation or need. Think of the quiet moments shared between a parent and child, when no words are spoken, but the love and understanding are felt deeply. Or consider the moments shared between lovers who do not need to speak to understand each other, whose connection is beyond the limitations of language and touch. These moments, as Monroe suggests, are often more than enough.

Thus, the practical lesson here is clear: we must learn to cherish the silent connections we share with others. Recognize the value of being in someone's presence, not for the sake of entertainment, but for the comfort and peace it brings. In our often noisy and disconnected world, it is easy to forget that sometimes, the most meaningful moments are those when we are simply present, sharing space without the need for constant interaction. Seek out those moments, and in doing so, you will find that you are never truly alone. The feeling that passes between two people in the quiet of mutual presence is one of the most sacred experiences we can have.