EskimoBluDay...it’s funny you bring this up. I was just speaking about this with another DB member. If you dive with a less experienced diver, you might end up watching them more than you do yourself or the environment. So I agree that it’s just as important to be proficient with diving solo. That way if both divers are prepared for solo diving, then that makes the dive that much safer.
On the same subject, if your dive buddy gets into trouble, do not put yourself in trouble trying to help them. You can not provide support if you become endangered yourself. So take a few seconds to think about the situation before reacting. Provide assistance, but only if you are safe first.