The job of a friend is not to decide what should be done, not to run interference or pick up the slack. The job of a friend is to understand, and to supply energy and hope, and in doing so to keep those they value on their feet a little longer, so that they can fight another round and grow strong in themselves.
Merle ShainYou can tell a lot about what a man lacks by watching what he is cynical about, and many of us are cynical about love.
Merle ShainThe act is unjustifiable that either begs for a blessing, or, having succeeded gives no thanksgiving.
Merle ShainThe older I get, the clearer it becomes to me that no one is cheated in this world, unless it's by himself.
Merle ShainI'm not sure there can be loving without commitment, although commitment takes all kinds of forms, and there can be commitment for the moment as well as commitment for all time. The kind that is essential for loving marriages - and love affairs, as well - is a commitment to preserving the essential quality of your partner's soul, adding to them as a person rather than taking away.
Merle Shain