"True Intimacy" . . .

Human relationships easily become possessive.
Our hearts so much desire to be loved
that we are inclined to cling to the person
who offers us love, affection, friendship, care, or support.

Once we have seen or felt a hint of love, we want more of it.
That explains why lovers so often bicker with each other.
Lovers' quarrels are quarrels between people
who want more of each other
than they are able or willing to give.

It is very hard for love not to become possessive
because our hearts look for perfect love
and no human being is capable of that.
Only God can offer perfect love.

Therefore, the art of loving
includes the art of giving one another space.
When we invade one another's space
and do not allow the other to be his or her own free person,
we cause great suffering in our relationships.
But when we give another space to move
and share our gifts, true intimacy becomes possible.

Henry Nouwen