Da Vinci’s Muse

Merriam-Webster’s definition of integrity:

1 : firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values : incorruptability

2 : an unimpaired condition : soundness

3 : the quality or state of being complete or undivided : Completeness

synonyms: honesty

Alignment of the self through our personal integrity of love and joy, even in the midst of transitions, enables us to be accountable for our own lives. In relationships, for there to be any relationship at all, integrity is paramount. And this is true for all relationships.

In relationships between a man and a woman, one’s integrity involves clear communication. Spoken expectations and understandings are important after the courtship, dating or complimentary phase of emotional connection (or if you want to be down and dirty depending on your emotion make-up and the kind of relationship you desire, sometimes directly communicating what you both want can be more efficient). Clear communication of expectations and understandings enable the relationship to be built on a solid structure and a solid structure creates a win-win relationship.

Because people grow in self-awareness about their identity and with that may come change and separations in relationships, this does not mean that the giving, particularly in terms of the unquantifiable aspects of what the woman has given or gives, should be dismissed, not honored nor respected, especially when children are involved. In the case where respect and compassion for the life created has diminished, the question of integrity appears. Ask yourself, when a break-up has occurred or is occurring, has there been or is there honor in character and integrity through action in valuing what was or what is? Often times, when expectations are not communicated clearly during the structuring phase of a relationship and particularly when a win-win relationship for some reason has not been or can not be established, integrity plays a key role. At this point seemingly “victims” and “villains” emerge.