In-dependence

It was those nine months of gestation when we were completely dependent on our mothers - right from breathing to pooping. We however never demanded the support; it just happened. Did we become independent after birth? How could we? We had to be guided through life and taught things. In fact, the degree of conscious dependence increased. The child always wanted to run away from the parents knowing that they were following it to bring it back. Later when we actually gained awareness of things, we demanded support. The stage when we actually felt very less need to be independent because we thought there was still time for that. Well, some of us did not like parents. Yet we were glued to blood-relations, friends, mentors, etc. After marriage, of course the spouse was there to lean against (not always though). All these relations are just major supports, and it goes without saying that in situations we could be more dependent on internet or a doctor than our parents.

This whole process can be compared to a sea voyage. A big ship (our support) holds the small boat (us), and drags it along through the journey. Sometimes the small ship gets separated, and awaits the same or a different big ship for rescue. In the interim, the small boat is on its own, raising its hook of attachment high up in the air, and waiting for a platform to tag to. It is true that the boat is on its own; but there is an initial period of shaky confidence, and desperateness to find support. Some boats never find a ship to hold on to, and are safe as long as the sea is calm. This independence is by compulsion. The stronger ones reach the shore, while the others sink. However, some boats choose not to have support, and row by themselves even at times of vulnerability. Though these boats appear to be strong and sustainable (which they may be), they at times crave to see a big ship around as moral support. Here again, some survive, some perish. Some boats would want to sail alone, but the strings connected to the big ship are too strong to snap. It is relative whether a watercraft is to be considered as a small boat or a big ship. The big ship we cling on to, could be a small boat seeking support elsewhere. Also we could be the big ship for another small boat behind us. Or two small boats can mutually be big ships for each other. 

All this said, dependence does not necessarily mean attachment and vice versa. One could be monetarily dependent on the guardian, but emotionally detached. Also one could be emotionally attached to a dog, but not depend on it for anything. Globally it would appear to be a complex network, much more complicated than a family tree or a food web. Most of the links are unintentional and unplanned. They just happen.