Quote:
Originally Posted by Angela  I disagree with you that being a mate requires the presence of another person. |
I think I understand what you mean, but I see it as just a difference in semantics.
"Being a mate" without the inclusion of someone else in one's life is, I think, a bit like saying, "being a husband" though I'm not married, or "being a father" if I don't have any kids. The presence of another person is implied: the terms "mate" or "husband" (or wife, partner, father, or any other number of words) implies that there's another person in the equation.
It's important to understand the distinction. "Being the best mate/husband/wife/partner/father/whatever I can be" just doesn't make sense if there isn't another person involved. "Being the best person I can be," however, makes no implication about the presence of someone else.