The phrase “The subtle beauty of the countryside resembles a distant view, but only reveals its plainness upon closer inspection” is a famous quote from a poem by Han Yu.
The poem is saying that from a distance, the grass looks vibrant and green, giving a sense of life and vitality. However, when you get up close, the scenery isn’t as beautiful as it seemed from afar. This poem indirectly explains that distance can create beauty.
Similarly, the quote “You cannot know Mount Lu’s true face, only because you are on the mountain” suggests that when you’re too close to something, you can’t see its true nature.
Having some distance can produce beauty, and getting too close to something can be detrimental. Sometimes, it’s better to keep a healthy distance.
Gao Xiao Song once said, “When you find your other half, you’ll only discover your own completeness.”
Throughout our lives, finding our other half gives us a sense of belonging. Most people think that being with their partner means being inseparable, but in reality, each person is an independent individual who can never truly become a part of someone else.
Even in the best of marriages, it’s essential to maintain some distance, especially in middle age.
Famous TV host Dong Qing and her husband are a great example of this. When Dong Qing appears in public, her husband is never seen. Once, a netizen boldly speculated that Dong Qing might have divorced her husband.
To address the external pressure, Dong Qing told reporters, “Couples should give each other some space.”
Talking about romance and marriage are two different things. In romance, people are attracted to each other, so they tend to stick together 24/7. However, once you enter marriage, this scenario becomes less frequent.
As female writer Zhang Xiao Yan once said, “Don’t put all your energy into your partner; you’ve got to save some for yourself, especially after marriage.”
Every successful person knows how to reserve some space for themselves, using that space to develop themselves and others.
In middle age, life gets busy, and even after marriage, you can’t give up on personal growth. How do you achieve that? Certainly not by sticking to each other 24/7.
On a TV show, famous host Yang Lan said, “Love is about continuous self-improvement, and then attracting each other again. Love is about constantly improving and loving the same person again and again.”
By middle age, you’re an adult, and your thoughts are more mature. You should understand the importance of giving each other space, allowing both parties to grow and continue to attract each other.
Yang Lan also said, “Find someone who can grow with you intellectually.”
This doesn’t mean that your partner should become more like you, but rather that when you become better, your partner also becomes better. This excellence is not just about interpersonal skills but also about intellectual growth.
So, give each other some space and let each other grow.
Middle-aged people face immense pressure. We often forget our struggles when life is easy and only remember them when we’re under immense pressure. Sometimes, pressure can make us cruel to those around us.
Modern middle-aged people have immense pressure, taking care of both the elderly and their children, working hard, and facing criticism from their bosses.
Under such pressure, one’s personality is bound to change. Even gentle people may become frustrated and irritable when faced with this pressure.
We often save our worst behavior for those close to us, putting on a smile for others, because around our loved ones, we show our true selves.
As we grow older, the pressure from the outside world can be overwhelming. We may wish for a companion, but communication can lead to disagreements. When you disagree with your partner, you might lose your temper.
So, sometimes it’s essential to maintain a healthy distance, letting your emotions settle before approaching your partner again.
Someone once said that when in love, people’s IQ drops to zero. Under pressure, people can also behave irrationally.
When we’re under immense pressure, we might say hurtful things, thinking we’re relieving our emotions, but in reality, we’re hurting those around us.
After the storm has passed, you might regret your actions, but it’s too late. Love and marriage require joint effort. When arguments surround your relationship, the love will gradually fade.
Some might say, “If they truly love me, they wouldn’t hurt me.” In reality, people are not saints; they can also be helpless in certain situations.
So, don’t overestimate your charm, and don’t trust that others will always love you unconditionally.
Maintaining a healthy distance can be beneficial for both parties.
Emotions Are a Harmonious Combination of Giving and Receiving
We often see the phrase “Life is a journey” on posters.
Life can be full of ups and downs, with moments of smooth sailing and times of hardship. Looking back on the path you’ve walked, you’ll realize that everything is a journey.
In traditional Chinese painting, there’s a technique of leaving blank spaces, known as “liu Bai.” This empty space is left untouched, without any strokes.
Because of this blank space, traditional Chinese paintings have a sense of calmness. If someone doesn’t leave any white space, the painting looks crowded, making the viewer feel suffocated.
Understanding the importance of leaving white space in a painting is like understanding how to manage a relationship—giving your partner some space.
Especially for middle-aged people, with elderly parents and young children, it’s essential to leave some space for your partner to take care of them.
As you grow older, you’ll realize that your partner doesn’t just belong to you, but to the entire family, and ultimately, to themselves.
In life, you and your partner will face various difficulties. When facing these challenges, learn to let your partner handle their own emotions, giving them the time and space to figure things out. Only by maintaining a healthy distance can you both clear your minds and think more clearly.
So, sometimes maintaining a healthy distance is beneficial for both parties in a relationship, regardless of how strong your love is.