we're really good at seeing all these different types of diversity of relationships in our

botanic lives. But for some reason, we put so much pressure on the romantic relationship,

right? And it still is interesting to think about why you have to put so much pressure on just

one person to make you happy. It's just about, I think, a readjusting of what you actually

need that partner for. And I'm not anti-marriage.

I'm not anti-partnership.

I just think that everyone benefits when we turn down the pressure to make marriage and romantic

partnership the only version of happiness that were made to achieve.

So have you ever felt the weight of societal pressure kind of bearing down on you, telling you that

your life is somehow incomplete without a romantic partner, that your very sense of happiness

and fulfillment just hinges on finding, quote, the one. If so, you're not alone. For too long,

we have been fed a narrative that singlehood equals

loneliness, that marriage is the ultimate goal to strive for. But what if that narrative is flawed,

or at least it's not right for most people? What if there was another way to live a truly

fulfilling life, one built on authenticity and diverse connections,

relationships, and self-acceptance. My guest today is Megan Cain, and her new book,

Party of One, Be Your Own Best Life Partner. It serves as an empowering antidote to those societal

pressures. Megan is the founder and supervising editor for NPR's Life Kit,

bringing listeners advice on personal finances, health, parenting, and more. Previously,

she was a producer for award-winning podcasts like Invisibilia and Ted Radio Hour

exploring the invisible forces that shape human behavior. And in our conversation, she offers this powerful reframe on the

mythology of having to find a partner to live the life that you dream of. And she also shares

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