Both unknown to each other, had a few relationships before, that lasted for 1-3 years. Akshay was known for his expertise in software, and Anika for her zeal as a manager. Both had few other interests, and when they had these bouts, they would withdraw from work too, and from the little socialising they did otherwise. Whenever they had a disagreement with their partners, both would argue, and put their energies into changing the partner, expecting that the partner changes some of their habits for them. The cycle continued endlessly, and both felt a disconnect with the partner, suppressed hurt, helplessness and emotional distancing from the relationship. Since they both had only two keys to happiness- work and relationship, when something went wrong in one area, they would feel devastated and lonely. Most others who spent lesser time online, had multiple sources of happiness besides interpersonal interactions, for instance gardening, music, a creative interest like singing, playing an instrument, a sport, travelling etc. had greater chances of bouncing back and be happier in the longer run.
Both of them tried harder at gaining control in relationships or at work, and their resilience decreased over time. Neither of them could tolerate any uncertainty, unfairness, things getting out of control, failures and setbacks, hassles and rejections. In the relentless pursuit of better and better partners and jobs, they lost acceptance of imperfections in others, life and self. It was like a drop of ink in a glass of water...it coloured their life, others and themselves fully with whatever imperfections each had. If only they treated the problems in life, themselves and others as pebbles and not ink, things could have been different.
