You’ve been invited to a Dungeons & Dragons campaign—whether you’re a forever DM, you grew up playing, you watch streams, you’re a nervous newbie, or you have to look up the name. As you begin, the host asks: What kind of character arc do you want to play?

Showing weakness is not a bad thing to be avoided at all costs, and neither is showing emotion. Expressing vulnerability is a neutral trait which will be fit for some circumstances, and unfit for others.

People outgrow each other. When the spark fades or you’re unfulfilled with another person, sometimes the answer is an ending. In your relationship with yourself, though, you can’t part ways. So how do you stay connected with you?