Somewhere in a children's story I remember encountering the concept that you aren't real until you're loved. I find it an extremely elusive concept, but also intriguing. And after considering the logical implications I think only one person then could possibly make us real--our self. I can care about someone else's feelings and have empathy for them, but, if they don't take care of their own self, will I be able to rely on them consistently? I think relationships are about taking care of each other--however, I'm not and expert and, usually--to me, people seem like they want to take more than give.