This is a story that actually occurred to me. Regardless of the form of relationship - romantic, platonic, familial, or otherwise - I believe that all of us seek acceptance and approval by those around us, and often question ourselves privately over whether we are receiving it.

This story taught me to understand that the most fruitful way to live our relationships, and the greatest path to acceptance, is not in overthinking or glorifying the past or future but in trying to focus on being present.