No matter how much you build your identity independent of your relationship status, you still need a partner.

This was a big realization for me. I was a man who believed that I could live a fulfilling life without a partner. I had a solid career, I was doing well financially, I was healthy, I had my own place, and so forth. <br><br>And I was right. I could live a fulfilling life without a partner. But I realized that something was lacking in my life. I wasn't truly happy. I just existed. I was going through the motions. <br><br>And I was forced to confront the reality that I had been avoiding. I needed a partner. And I didn't have one. <br><br>I'm not a good looking guy. And I've been rejected many times. But I met a girl and we hit it off. And now we're in a relationship. And I'm happy. And I can finally be myself with someone.