Who we are as individuals blossoms as we discover and learn who we are in relationship to our world. We do this by deeply connecting with it, not by withdrawing from it. A mature individual is able to draw support and strength from others and provide a distinct contribution to the world. Our individuality suffers when we cut ourselves off from an exchange of help by trying to remain wholly independent. We often isolate ourselves by appearing to be self-sufficient. We fortify our walls of independence when we turn increasingly to technology for information and entertainment rather than investing in the challenges and rewards of human relationship.