Like never before, last year revealed to me the importance of relationships.

Strong, healthy, genuine relationships.

Formerly a self-proclaimed "loner," I've finally admitted to myself that most things are better with people you deeply care for, and people who care deeply for you.

• Deeply enough to jump through the health & safety hoops of a pandemic to reach you.

• Deeply enough to have an uncomfortable conversation about racial injustice and white supremacy.

• Deeply enough to walk through an intention-setting session and ask the tough questions that will help you grow together.

If it were easy, everyone would do it. But mindfully tending to your bonds with your friends, family, and romantic partners is work.

Here are some questions that might help: