Acharya Prashant explains that only those who have learned to be happy in their solitude can truly enjoy the company of others. He points out that if someone is miserable alone and goes to a party to escape that loneliness, they will remain lonely even there. People generally approach others for two reasons: either because they feel a void in their heart and want someone to fill it, or because they are already so happy that they want to share that joy. Most people fall into the first category, where their misery drives them toward others. When a relationship is built on such a need, the other person becomes a necessity, leading to possessiveness, jealousy, and various psychological issues. He observes that while life is meant for relating, most relationships are unfortunately based on misery rather than joy. He describes people as storehouses of misery who are eager to distribute their unhappiness to others, which only results in multiplied suffering. He emphasizes that the first step is to find oneself and learn to be happy in one's own company. He notes that people often cannot stay alone for even a few hours without seeking distraction through phones or calls. He clarifies that he is not advocating for cutting off from society, but rather insisting that the basis of relationships should be joy and fulfillment rather than deprivation.
