This wonderful extract from the outstanding and to be recommended novel, Captain Corelli's Mandolin by Louis de Bernières, was reproduced in one of our wedding anniversary cards this year.
It reads:-
"Those that truly love have roots that grow towards each other underground, and when all the pretty blossoms have fallen from their branches, they find that they are one tree and not two."
And this is a fabulous way to look at romantic and other close relationships.
Often, we can become controlling or possessive as we get close to another person because of their continued desire to express and enjoy their independence alongside the relationship they have with us.
We fear for losing the person as a result of their continued independence, and this can be highly stressful.
But by understanding and appreciating that we can continue to be close (and grow even closer) to someone when we spend time away from them, precisely because of the invisible 'roots' that have developed between us, we can easily let go of such stressful, negative emotions.
Time spent apart can help build trust and experience that can then be brought back into a relationship to enhance it as a whole in the long term.
So, if you ever feel jealous or resentful of a close partner or friend for spending time away from you, remember that the roots of a relationship don't rot or stop spreading as a result of this.
If the relationship is built to last, then the trust and belief in another that letting them continue to spread their wings independently openly demonstrates, will actually bring you closer together......
Big, connected love 💫💜❤️🩹💛🧡🩷