To Be

The philosopher Aristotle believed there are three kinds of relationships, and only one brings true happiness.

There's a relationship of pleasure quickly summed up as sex-mates not fulfilling in the long run.

Then, the relationship of utility where partners use one another for beauty, money or status, which are also not fulfilling for the long haul.

The final type is the relationship of shared virtue. You understood each other and you want to help each other grow into your best possible selves.

Aristotle deemed these partners soul mates or "soul-nurturing mates." He believed being with someone who helped you grow into your best possible self was not only what long-term happily-ever-after love was all about, but also what a long-term happily-ever-after life was all about.

For this reason, you must recognize that it's appropriate for a love relationship to have some challenge within it to help you to grow.

Like Jack Nicholson's character in As Good As It Gets said: "You make me want to be a better man."

Are you and your partner in a relationship of shared virtue where the challenges can be wonderful growth opportunities?

Keep in mind a favorite quote from Leo Buscaglia, who said: "A great deterrent to love is found in anyone who fears change, for...growing, learning, experiencing is change. Change is inevitable."

-By Karen Salmansohn

Come Clean

At some point we all have to forgive the regrets.
When it comes, let it pass.
Let the first rain of the season wash away our past.
I know, I know that we can...

Come clean when lines get blurry.
Come clean when the down gets dirty.
Holding your breath...when you just wanna scream...
At some point we all have to... come clean.
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You were a match and I was gasoline.
And I was sure you'd be the end of me.
....
This much I know is true...
Cuz from the deepest ocean blue,
to the fullest golden moon,
What am I to do with all this love for you?
From the stars up in the sky,
to the hummin railroad lines...
Will open all the time, my love for you.
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Ain't no need to define a reason or rhyme, I'm just gonna love you, like you love me: unconditionally.

I'm gonna love you, like you love me: unconditionally.
Like family, like coming home.
Like forever no matter where you go.
I just wanna love you.
So I'm gonna love you, like you love me: unconditionally.
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So....

Gotta be careful just what you give, you never know what you'll get.
Who knows, maybe the best hasn't happened yet.

Some days I still feel the same and my love it still remains.
Wish I could start a fire in the pouring rain.
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And the thing I feel
Is just a comic thing
But I've never loved the way I loved you
And I don't think my heart has ever been so true
'Cause I just can't seem to shake wake break it or quit you.
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You should listen to your heart.
It's going to tell you what you need.
Take care of yourself.
Don't you worry about me.