Part 2/9:
At the core of stoicism is the belief that true happiness emanates from within. Rather than seeking external validation through romantic pursuits, one can instead learn to appreciate and nurture their inner strength and resilience. The natural tendency to chase after romantic interests often leads individuals to place their self-worth in the hands of others. The result can be a cyclical pattern of dependency: seeking approval and happiness from potential partners, inherently tied to their actions and perceptions. This pursuit may lead to feelings of emptiness when rejection occurs or when relationships come to an end, illustrating the fragility of happiness reliant on another person.