These sayings are sometimes too trite to do justice to a subject, and that's why I like these forums. I do like the fact that these sayings are here, but this one gets me. This one sounds nice, but it's rather superficial and really a bit of a false dichotomy - implying that either you must let someone 'be what they choose for themselves' or that they satisfy you. I submit that if you truly love someone, you consciously put their best interests ahead of your own. It is very easy to see a situation where I don't 'allow' (to borrow his term) someone to be what they choose for themselves, but where my end goal is not simply my satisfaction.

If I love someone, I want what's best for them, to the ultimate best of my ability. I will attempt to do everything I can to assist and even protect them - from themselves if need be. This does not mean a selfish need for satisfaction is my only motivation.

I stole this for my sig line on another board. I completely understand this statement. The statement is about not DEMANDING that someone do/be something in order to satisfy you. Like a mother who claims that her son must become a doctor FOR her. Or, a father that insists that his son partake of a sport when the son doesn't even like the game. Love is about giving and not taking. I thank you for posting it, even my husband remembered this one and was rather taken with it. If only all parents kept this in mind when dealing with their children....