Acharya Prashant explains that an individual is the best judge of their own feelings in a relationship. He suggests comparing the feeling toward a female friend with that of a male friend; if the thoughts are predominantly focused on the other person's physicality, it is a clear indication of a strong bodily or physical dimension rather than true love. He emphasizes that healthy relationships are based on person-to-person connection rather than consumption or exploitation. In a healthy relationship, the objective is the welfare of the other person, whereas a relationship that ends in a total breakup often resembles a commercial transaction where one party walks away when their desires are no longer met at an affordable price. He further clarifies that friendship does not typically end in a total severing of ties; while the intensity or nature of the bond may change, a minimal relationship remains if it was based on something valuable. Acharya Prashant advises looking for qualities such as intelligence, innocence, and admirable traits rather than just the body. He warns that treating people as objects to be shopped for is disrespectful to both parties and reduces human beings to unconscious entities. He encourages building relationships that are not based on mutual exploitation, even if such exploitation is consensual. Regarding the issue of pornography, Acharya Prashant suggests that such habits are often a result of purposelessness and having too much spare time. He advises young people to find something deeply interesting and challenging to do in life, such as mastering a sport, gaining new skills, traveling, or reading. He argues that when one is dedicated to a higher purpose or an adventurous life, the inclination toward self-entertainment through dark or lower-order activities naturally diminishes. He concludes that a lack of a great challenge leads to a vacant life where one becomes easily attracted to unproductive habits.
