This was one of the most thought provoking topics for me, the questions guided me through reflecting on my behaviour with others, how I learn from them, how I take criticism, how I argue and how it all ends up making me feel. I have realised maturity means acting my age, having a realistic view of the world. Accepting responsibility for myself, being kind to others. It’s about being able to regulate my emotions, stop criticising and expressing rage. But to have a balance, where I can speak up and be willing to look at myself and learn and grow and conduct myself with calm and confidence.

The questions lead me through thinking over about the definition of intimacy, how actions and behaviour encourage or damage intimacy. I thought back to my first intimate relationships, where and how I learnt about these types of relationships from the good and the bad. I thought over how people I’ve been close with let me down which was really difficult but allowed me to reflect on the great lessons I have learned from those experiences. Overall, I learned the value of intimate relationships and how vital they are to helping us thrive as human beings as well as heal and grow.

The questions guide me through thinking over how I love myself, how I express love for others, the things I do to show love and really considering my loving relationships. This was a really lovely topic to go through and it highlighted so many things for me, in particular that by loving myself I not only take care of my own needs, but I also lay the foundations for loving others. It sets my boundaries and role models how I want to be treated and loved as well as enabling me to love others in a healthy manner.