The semester found its rhythm quickly. Our class became popular, with students often staying after to ask questions or share their own experiences. We talked about rejection, acceptance, the difference between a bond and actual love.

We held nothing back.

"My parents are mates," a boy said during week three. "But they hate each other. They stay together because of the bond, but there's no love there. Is that normal?"

"More common than people want to admit," I said. "A bond creates a connection, ...