I truly believe that our desires for partnership do not erase or replace the work we do to love ourselves and invest in other relationships in our lives, either with friends, families and or colleagues. All of these relationships have a place in our lives, just as romantic relationships have one too. I also believe that loving myself cannot replace the love and compassion I hope for from a romantic partner. I hope society didn’t shame us for expressing this desire, one most share but are too afraid to speak openly about.