A Deeply Meaningful Quote

“If you love somebody, let them go, for if they return, they were always yours. If they don't, they never were.”  - Kahlil Gibran

A deeply meaningful quote, let's decode what it really means.

Shreya Garg is a journalist with over 6 years of experience at leading media houses. She writes extensively on lifestyle, health and things that are trending on the internet. Here's what she has to say:

What does the quote mean?

Many of us hold on too tightly to people we care about out of fear, insecurity, or a need for control. What we often forget is that true love thrives on freedom, not coercion. This quote from Kahlil Gibran serves as a gentle reminder that love cannot be possessed or trapped.

When you give someone the freedom to choose their own path, you honour their individuality. If they return to you freely, it proves that the bond was genuine, natural, and deep. But if they walk away, it simply signifies that the relationship was not meant to last forever. The acceptance of it all is what allows both individuals to grow in life.

How is it relevant today?

Many people today experience intense fear of abandonment, leading to needy or overly controlling behaviour in modern dating.

Social media often romanticises possessiveness, making people mistake jealousy or control for genuine passion.

Breakups and emotional detachments are harder today due to constant digital connectivity, keeping people trapped in painful loops.

Holding onto someone who wants to leave damages self-esteem, whereas letting go empowers personal healing.

In an era of endless choices, forcing a relationship to work only causes mutual resentment and burnout.

Holding on to unfulfilling or one-sided relationships often leads to severe emotional exhaustion and anxiety.

Lessons from the quote:

True affection is voluntary and can't be forced or demanded from someone.

Letting someone choose whichever path they want to go on is an act of self-respect as well as respect for the other person.

Fear of loss should never be the foundation of any relationship.

What is truly meant for you will always find its way back to you naturally.

Letting go is not an act of weakness; it is a sign of emotional maturity.

Freedom is the ultimate test and measure of any deep emotional bond.

Tips to follow the quote:

Practice emotional acceptance when someone asks for distance or space.

Avoid using guilt, pressure, or control to keep someone in your life.

Focus on building your own sense of self-worth independent of relationship status.

Allow relationships to evolve organically without forcing outcomes or timelines.

Reframe a breakup or departure as an opportunity for personal healing and new beginnings.

Respect the choices of others, even when those choices bring short-term sadness.

Remind yourself that letting go makes room for genuine love and peace to enter.

Direct your energy toward self-care and personal passions whenever you feel anxious about a relationship.

Well, what do you think? Does Shreya have important things to say? 

Life is largely a mystery to me, and becoming moreso every day. I've let things go and they never came back.  I've tried to leave and I was never let go. The mystery.

We live by the choices we make. We die by them too.  We reframe... everything is an opportunity.

I see the world through rose colored eyes. Time for a poem.

BDP- October 18, 2026

Like any stupid kid

I was convinced I had what it takes

I saw the universe in your eyes

You wear a mask to hide what's inside

No supersonic heartbeats in the morning

Leave me hanging out to dry

Do you like me? 

Do you want me?

I'm pretty funny if I try

I try

Subtle pixilation of the world through a screened in porch

Can't help but laugh along without knowing what the joke is 

I might look young, and... 

He 

Never 

Came 

Back 

If I could only empty out the water in my head 

Let the river unfold 

7-minutes

He's on a quest 

He's all alone 

He'll do his best 

As a middle finger to his dad

I can hear you 

Faking the dream 

Fragile and tired 

Wounded and weak 

My words are a useless defense 

All the ways I say it

In a secret language 

I love you 

I say it 

Doesn't matter.