Love is not always standing next to someone. It is being able to give space when it is needed. It is letting go of a hand not out of indifference, but out of respect for the choice of another. It is allowing a loved one to be happy... even if not with you.
Paradox: the more we love, the less we want to squeeze. Love is like a butterfly: if you hold it too tightly, it will break.
Sometimes love is staying in the shadows. Being the one who discreetly supports. Or the one who leaves on time so as not to interfere with someone's takeoff.
This is not a sacrifice. This is maturity. This is the understanding that love is not about control, but about freedom. Not about "I need it", but about "he is fine".
And yes, it hurts. But it’s also beautiful. Because if you love, you choose not only to be there, but also, if necessary, to be the reason for someone’s happiness… from afar.