I grew up an only child, and I had many periods of loneliness. From that I learned to be a good companion to myself and to be (somewhat) comfortable in my own skin. After years of nonetheless seeking affirmation from others, of wanting to belong but always feeling somewhat like a stranger in a strange land, I have become totally comfortable with myself. The lesson for me is that others can never make you whole. That comes from within. I liken it to Jesus’ teaching that the path to the Kingdom of God lies within us.