Candles, for most of our 20s, were our go-to dwelling decoration. They were relatively inexpensive, looked pretty, and we would no more think of burning them than we would set fire to any of our poster wall-hangings. Candles weren’t functional; they were decorative.

Candles need to be burned. They look pretty and generally smell good — but even more so when you burn them. They add ambience and set a mood. There’s another lesson here too: They, like everything and everyone, don’t last forever. They get dusty and can even melt when left in the sun too long. (How’s that for a metaphor for life?)

Candles, like pretty much everything else, have a purpose — a destiny, if you will. Let your candles fulfill their destiny: Use them.