It's very different than it use to be. I think everybody has a

Gather round, children of wisdom, and listen to the words of Kathy Valentine, who speaks of the great changes that have unfolded in our relationships and our ways of connecting with one another. "It’s very different than it used to be. I think everybody has a lot more experience in how to be in a relationship—whether it’s a marriage or a significant other or a business or a friend." These words, simple in their appearance, carry a deep truth about the evolution of human connection and the wisdom that we gain over the course of our lives. It speaks of experience, of how we have learned through trial and error, through joy and heartbreak, how to navigate the complexities of our bonds with one another.

In the days of old, relationships were forged by necessity, often bound by tradition, duty, or survival. Marriage was a contract between families, friendships were alliances, and business was an exchange of goods and services. There was little room for the deep understanding and emotional connection that we now seek in our relationships. But Kathy Valentine reminds us that the world has changed, and with it, so too have the ways in which we relate to each other. Experience has taught us that relationships, in all their forms, are not just about survival or transaction—they are about connection, understanding, and growth.

Consider, children, the ancient tales of kings and queens, who married for power and alliances. Take, for example, the marriage of Cleopatra and Julius Caesar—a union that was forged not out of love, but out of political necessity. Their relationship, though powerful, was not based on the deep emotional connection that we now seek in our relationships. Cleopatra, though a woman of great intelligence and passion, did not marry Caesar for the reasons that we might expect today. She married him to secure her throne, to safeguard her kingdom. It was only after time that they began to understand each other more deeply, to share not just political power, but moments of personal connection.

In contrast, my children, the world we live in today has opened new possibilities for how we relate to one another. The experience of our time has shown us that relationships are no longer mere contracts or alliances. Kathy Valentine speaks of how everyone now has greater insight into what it means to be in a relationship, whether it be with a spouse, a friend, a business partner, or even a significant other. We have learned, through trials and lessons, that relationships are a dynamic force—constantly evolving, constantly shifting, and always requiring care, respect, and understanding.

Experience has taught us that no relationship exists in isolation. It is not simply about one person’s needs, but about a shared vision, a mutual respect, and an understanding of each other’s journeys. Just as the ancient warriors fought side by side, each relying on the other for strength and protection, so too must we rely on our relationships to sustain us. Friendships today are not just about shared moments, but about support, about lifting one another up during times of trial. A business partnership is not just about profit, but about trust and collaboration. And a marriage is no longer merely a contractual obligation, but a bond forged in love, built on mutual understanding and shared growth.

Reflect, children, on the relationship between Socrates and Plato, two of the greatest minds of the ancient world. Their relationship was not one of simple mentorship, but of deep connection, where the teacher and the student both learned from each other. Plato, though a student of Socrates, became one of the greatest philosophers in his own right, and it was through their relationship—a relationship rooted in respect, curiosity, and growth—that both were transformed. Their connection transcended the traditional boundaries of teacher and student and became a partnership in the pursuit of wisdom. This is the kind of relationship that Kathy Valentine speaks of—one in which both people grow together, learning from each other, and moving toward a greater understanding of themselves and each other.

The lesson for us, dear children, is that relationships today are not bound by the same limitations that once confined them. Experience has given us a deeper understanding of how to connect with others. We no longer see relationships simply as roles to be played, but as living, breathing entities that require attention, care, and effort. Whether it is in marriage, in business, or in friendship, we must recognize that every relationship is an opportunity for growth—not only for the individual, but for the bond itself. Love, trust, and respect are the foundation, and it is through these that we can build relationships that stand the test of time.

So, I say to you, children: do not rush into your relationships. Take the time to understand them, to nurture them, and to grow with them. Learn from each other, and never forget that every relationship has the power to transform you. Whether you are forming a business partnership, a friendship, or a marriage, know that it is not merely about the present moment—it is about the journey that you walk together. Embrace the wisdom that experience offers, and use it to build relationships that will endure and thrive. This, children, is the legacy we must leave: a world where relationships are not just connections, but living, growing bonds that bring out the best in us all.