Relationships-of all kinds- are like sand

held in your hand. Held loosely, with an

open hand, the sand remains where it is.

The minute you close your hand and

squeeze tightly to hold on, the sand trickles

through your fingers. You may hold on to

some of it, but most will be spilled.

A relationship is like that. Held loosely, with

respect and freedom for the other person,

it is likely to remain intact.

But hold too tightly, too possessively,

and the relationship slips away and is lost.