Once upon a long ago I was having an interesting conversation with a friend of mine. We were at a cafe, sharing an inexpensive bottle of wine. During our conversation we did touch the topic of love.

I remember her saying (and this I will never forget); "To love someone is like holding a handful of sand. The more you grasp and try to contain what is there, the more it does slip away from you. An open palm, however, enables you to keep the sand there for ever."

I have kept those words with me, ever since. How easy is it not to wish to "own" that person you are with? To put your own wants and needs ahead of those of your partner? Is it not the ultimate gift of love to rejoice at your partner's success, knowing that he/she would be doing the very same for you?

I also recall the title of a Sting song; "If you love somebody, set them free". I do believe in that. As painful as this might be at times; set them  free. If they are rightfully yours to hold, he/she will return to you...