In the environment of the family we receive food, clothing, protection, instruction, correction, and love. We are not independent creatures. There is no such thing as a meaningful life apart from relationships with others and with God. When we want to punish criminals more severely we put them in solitary confinement. Even the criminal justice system recognizes that we were made to connect with others.
Isolation is punishment.
Generally speaking, life's most exhilarating, heart pounding highs and life's most gut wrenching, painful lows come from relationships. When you walk into somebody's home and look at the photographs hanging on the wall, they are not photos of houses, cars, jewelry or their bank. They are photos of people. It is a bold reminder that life's meaning is largely derived from relationships. However, a casual glance at our culture reveals a dilemma.