What Do We Crave For?

Written & Edited by- Yashi Shah

COMPANIONSHIP OR RELATIONSHIP?

""Hey Xav, are you up?", I said as soon as he picked up my call at 2 am. "Hazel, what's wrong? You don't sound yourself", he replied on the other end. "Uhm, yes Xav I don't feel good. Could not sleep". And we ended up talking until sunrise. We watched the sunrise, a smile slowly making its way. When I finally ended the call, I felt relief. My heart knew it had found someone who would keep it safe. 

Don't we all need somebody to accompany us? Someone who stays with us when we are blue and someone who rejoices with us. And this is exactly what companionship attributes to. Companionship is when you feel a sense of closeness being with another person. You probably encounter companionship with your best friend or romantic partner, or maybe even with your siblings. A feeling of familiarity or togetherness is companionship. But before we dive into the sea of companionship, lets clear a few misunderstandings.

Companionship is not corresponding to a relationship. While companionship primarily refers to a sense of closeness obeying the capacity of being a friend, relationship refers to being romantically involved with a person. But here's something else, while Companionships can develop into relationships, not all relationships have companionships. Companionship is independent of relationships, it can exist without it but a relationship requires companionship. A relationship without companionship solely formed based on sexual desires may wear off or result in a failure. Companionship is one of the pillars that sustain a relationship.

Do we always scout for a relationship when we desire intimacy that isn't sexual, a safe space, understanding, and someone to express to? Someone with whom you could talk for hours and feel free, not bound by anything, could go out, hang out, and be happy in your little bubble together?

No, not always. Our generation has certainly confused a need for companionship with a need for a relationship. Unlike relationships, companionship isn't confined to a partner. Anybody can be a companion. Your friend, best friend, pet dog, books, art, and the list goes on. A pen friend can be your companion. Someone who you only know through social media can be your companion because, at the end of the day, they make you happy, feel alive, bring you peace, drive you, support you and listen to you. They allow you to be your real self, vulnerable, and are willing to be flexible instead of right.

My dear readers, a relationship is a very essential part of our lives, but a relationship without companionship? Nay! Not done. Let your cornerstone be companionship, who knows it might turn out to be the best thing you come across. The best feeling you feel. And find a friend for life, be it in a companion or a partner!