Personal growth and interpersonal love are two important purposes in life. But depending on the specific goals we hold, personal growth sometimes seems incompatible with intimate relationships. Especially when we are focused on developing independence and self-reliance, we may feel we need to refrain from interpersonal involvements -- at least for the time being.

However, many people aspire to have both love and growth in their lives -- NOW. And of course, rightly used, relationships are powerful aids to growth. Intimate partners should want to further each other's personal development. This article explains how to combine intimacy and growth in a way that optimally supports both. See Article