⛲I'm standing on the steps of the Trevi Fountain, listening to the sound of the water and wondering: what does "being happy" mean to me? I used to think happiness was being looked at by a handsome stranger in a cafe, like in the movie "Roman Holiday." Now I understand: happiness should grow from within, not fly in like a Hollywood fairy tale.

💯The first step is to stop looking for happiness in others. That's the most insidious trap. I'm learning to be whole and joyful here and now: in enjoying a cup of morning cappuccino, in the breeze during an evening stroll through Trastevere, in the work that inspires me. If there's emptiness inside, no prince can fill it. Only myself!

🤷But how can I not betray myself? It's a matter of daily choice. Sometimes I'm so tempted to conform to expectations:
of family, society, even imposed romantic stereotypes. My compass is now my inner voice.

I ask myself:
"Is this my true desire, or just an attempt to please?"
Being true to yourself means allowing yourself to love not only a passionate macho man, but perhaps a quiet architect neighbor, if you're easy and honest with him. It means not being afraid to speak your true feelings in broken Italian, rather than playing the role of a "mysterious Ukrainian woman."

🤗My main rule in 2026:

1. A partner isn't someone who makes me happy, but someone with whom my own happiness blossoms even more brightly. Someone who loves me not in spite of, but alongside, my love for my homeland, Italian spontaneity, and my endless search for beauty.

2. Happiness isn't a destination, but a journey. And I intend to enjoy every mile of this road, without deviating from my unique route. I've chosen myself as my most reliable companion. And I'm choosing anyone who wants to be my faithful companion on this journey!