What Does It Mean, “If You Love Something, Let It Go”?

“If you love something, let it go.” Is this quote true?

Although individual situations can vary, letting go of the things you love can sometimes be the right thing to do. This can apply to romantic relationships, parent-child relationships, or even friendships. 

As painful as it can sometimes be, letting go of the people you love can give them the freedom they need to grow and pursue their goals. Some examples include sending your child off to college, taking a break from a relationship so your partner can find themselves, or saying goodbye to a friend when they move to a new town. Letting someone go does not always have to mean the end of the relationship; it may simply mean giving them the freedom to pursue their own happiness and knowing that they will come back someday. 

How do you know when a relationship is over?

It may not always be easy to tell when a relationship is over, especially if you and your partner haven’t officially broken up yet. That said, several signs may indicate that the relationship has run its course, such as:

• No longer making an effort to communicate with each other
• A lack of interest in spending time together
• A lack of interest in physical or emotional intimacy
• Frequent or unresolved conflicts
• A desire to end the relationship or be with someone else

It may be worth noting that because no two relationships are exactly alike, the symptoms of the end of a relationship can depend on the couple. 

Who originally wrote, “If you love something, set it free?”

There are several variations of the quote, “If you love something, set it free,” which have been attributed to different people over the years. The writers Richard Bach and Douglas Horton have each been credited for their own versions of this proverb. The concept of letting go of what you love can also be found in various philosophical and religious traditions, although the quote’s exact origin is unknown. 

Does love or affection ever go away?

Whether love goes away can depend on the relationship and the individual. Sometimes, the affection is still there even after you let go of someone, depending on the following factors:

• The type of love (such as friendship, parental love, or romantic love)
• Changing life situations
• Conflicts in the relationship
• Level of communication with the other person
• Level of nostalgia about the relationship

The trajectory of a relationship can also be an important factor in whether love lingers or fades away. For example, the “honeymoon period” is a common phenomenon in romantic relationships where the initial infatuation often fades after a number of months to years. Whether love lasts can also depend on things like compatibility, relationship dynamics, and each person’s level of commitment to the relationship. 

Can a man love and cherish you and still let you go?

People of all genders may choose to let go of someone and still love and cherish that person forever.  This is because other things besides love can play a role in the decision to end a relationship. Some examples may include:

• Incompatible life goals, beliefs, or career trajectories
• Infidelity
• Toxic or unhealthy relationship dynamics 
• Mental health challenges
• Physical health challenges
• Changing emotional or psychological needs

Although love can be an important factor in a relationship, it may be worth remembering that it is often the only factor. A relationship can be loving and still not be feasible long-term, which is why someone might decide to let go of their partner in the interest of both people’s well-being. 

At what point do you let go of someone you love?

Knowing when to let go of someone can be challenging when you still feel love for them. That said, sometimes it can be the best decision for both people’s long-term happiness. Some signs that it may be time to let go of someone you love include:

• A loss of trust in them
• A lack of mutual respect
• Romantic feelings for someone else
• Frequent or ongoing conflicts in the relationship
• Conflicting life paths
• Incompatible views on topics like marriage, finances, or children
• Prolonged unhappiness in the relationship
• Feeling obligated to stay in the relationship
• Toxic or unhealthy behavior

It may be worth noting that this can be highly individual, and there might not always be a clear sign that it’s time to let go. Furthermore, it is sometimes possible to resolve the underlying issue without ending the relationship, although this can depend on the couple.

How do you let him go when you still love him?

Although it can be challenging to let someone go when you still have feelings for them, sometimes it’s the right thing to do for both people’s happiness. As difficult as this can be, there are a few strategies that may make the process easier, such as:

• Remembering your reasons for letting them go and recognizing that it’s ultimately for the best
• Limiting contact with the other person until you’ve both had time to grieve
• Prioritizing your goals, interests, and hobbies
• Reflecting on your feelings by journaling, meditating, or talking to a loved one
• Practicing self-care, such as healthy eating, exercise, and social activities
• Being patient with yourself and remembering that moving on can be a process

Although these tips may be helpful for moving forward, it may be worth remembering that this process can look different for different people. If you are struggling to process your feelings or would like extra support, you might consider talking to a mental health professional.