I've always really been a romantic at heart, and I have always

"I've always really been a romantic at heart, and I have always wanted kids, and I think the idea of sharing your life with the right person is amazing, actually." With these words, Monica Lewinsky opens her heart and reflects on the deep desires that lie within her—romance, family, and the longing for a meaningful connection with another person. At its core, this statement speaks to the human need for companionship, intimacy, and love—universal truths that have been cherished since the dawn of time. Lewinsky’s words echo the ancient ideals of romantic love, family bonds, and the pursuit of personal fulfillment, showing that despite the complexities of life, there remains a timeless desire for connection and shared experiences.

In the ancient world, romantic love was often seen as a divine gift, something that transcended the ordinary and connected individuals to the gods themselves. Consider the tale of Eros and Psyche from Greek mythology, which embodies not only the pursuit of romantic love but also the trials and challenges that come with it. Eros, the god of love, and Psyche, a mortal woman, had to overcome numerous obstacles to be together. Their love was not just about passion; it was about enduring commitment and sacrifice. This story reflects Lewinsky's sentiment that sharing life with the right person is something extraordinary, requiring not only love but also patience, growth, and understanding.

The desire to share one’s life with another is not merely a passing ideal—it is embedded in the human spirit. Even the ancient Romans understood the importance of companionship and family. The institution of marriage, while often seen as a political or social arrangement, also represented the binding of two people for the purposes of shared life and legacy. For example, Augustus, the first Roman emperor, married Livia not only for political alliances but for a deep personal bond that lasted through the years. Their relationship was a cornerstone of Roman society, a symbol of enduring commitment and mutual support. Lewinsky's desire to share her life with the right person mirrors this ancient yearning—one that connects love to the very fabric of human existence.

In the story of Romeo and Juliet, we see the tension between youthful, idealistic love and the harsh realities of the world around them. Their love was intense, passionate, and driven by the romantic ideal of togetherness despite the world’s pressures. Though their love was tragically cut short, their desire to be with the right person—to share life despite adversity—is a theme that resonates deeply within the human soul. Lewinsky’s words echo this same desire for romantic fulfillment, but with a recognition that love and family require more than just passion—they require growth, understanding, and the willingness to build something lasting.

Lewinsky’s reflection on romantic love and family also underscores the importance of self-awareness in choosing a life partner. It is not enough to simply long for love; one must be ready to face the complexities and challenges that come with it. The ancient philosophers understood this well. Plato, in his Symposium, explored the nature of love through a series of dialogues that examined the deeper qualities that make love enduring. True love, Plato suggests, is not just about physical attraction but about a shared vision and shared values. It requires the willingness to support each other’s growth, to raise children together, and to create a lasting legacy built on mutual respect and understanding.

The lesson here is that romantic love and the desire for a family are not mere fleeting desires, but essential components of the human experience. They represent our deep-seated need to connect, to create, and to share our lives with another in a way that transcends the ordinary. Lewinsky’s words remind us that it is not enough to simply dream of love or family; it is about the willingness to invest in these dreams, to build them from the ground up, and to face the challenges that will inevitably arise along the way.

In our own lives, we should strive to embrace the pursuit of love and family as worthy goals, not just as ideals, but as lifelong commitments that require work, dedication, and self-awareness. Like Plato or Augustus, we must recognize that the ideal of romantic love is not just about emotional connection but also about building a shared life, growing together, and facing the challenges that come with time. Let us, too, be willing to make the sacrifices necessary for lasting relationships, and may we find the courage to build meaningful connections that last not just in passion but in commitment and mutual respect.