"Then, at that age, love and relationships were at the center of our concern. It's always like that, only that many refuse to admit it. Perhaps because they have surrendered, in the meantime, to other kinds of passions: career, financial, political, party-related, artistic, parental, athletic, but these are substitutes. The basic need for person-to-person connection is there, behind them, and it ignites them to a degree of intense desire. Unsatisfied, of course, since they are substitutes."

(excerpt from the chapter "In the Safety of Failure" of this book).

Unfortunately, we happen to be creatures full of fears and subtle defenses. We are even afraid of true joy, happiness, and perhaps more so, deep love.

For various reasons, we avoid them and replace them with goals and choices that we feel we control better. However, avoiding authentic, vibrant life hides great sadness and depression.