This upcoming January 17th marks the birthday celebration of a national, if not global, treasure named Eartha Kitt. This past December 27th marked the 8-year anniversary of her death from colon cancer. Known as a spitfire, singer, actress, political activist, no-nonsense-taker, Madame Zeroni from "Holes," Yzma from "The Emperor's New Groove," Eartha Kitt was and continues to be an extraordinary figure in American culture who will forever be missed. Her sharp tongue and blunt brand of wisdom have resulted in many different pop culture occurrences, like when she got black-balled in the industry after making the Lady of the House cry.

She has also inspired the likes of Queen Bey herself, and millions of others who have been captured by her opinions on everything from politics and oppression to relationships and love. Speaking of love, the self-identified man-lover herself had some pretty iconic words to say regarding how a relationship should work.

In this clip from "All by Myself: The Eartha Kitt Story," an interviewer questioned Kitt about whether or not she'd be willing to compromise for a man in a relationship...to which she heartily laughing. We're talking an open-mouthed guffaw, with her head thrown back!

Once her laughter died down, she seriously asked the interviewer, "What is there to compromise for in true love?" To which he responded, rather sarcastically, "Isn't love...a union between two people, or does Eartha fall in love with herself?"

Well, the goddess herself answered with what remains to be my favorite quote about relationships ever:

"Yes. I fall in love with myself and I want someone to share it with me. I want someone to share 'me' with me."

The interviewer then asked, "Has that happened?"

And after bidding a friend adieu, Eartha responds introspectively, "Many times, in many ways..."

It's an interesting interview that remains relevant today. Think of how many people get into relationships for the wrong reasons. Too many people seek a relationship to fill a void that would easily be remedied by good ole fashioned self-love. More of us ought to get acquainted with ourselves and enjoy being alone. If you don't enjoy your own company, you can't expect anyone else to. A relationship should merely be an extension of how much you love yourself. Has RuPaul taught us nothing?

This article was inspired by, of course, Eartha Kitt, as well as my lovely cousin Amanda (known as Pixie Dust on Facebook), who wrote this amazing status this past Saturday night: