The saying “absence makes the heart grow fonder” refers to the phenomenon of idealizing a loved one when they are away for a period of time, leading to a stronger emotional connection upon their return. This can apply to romantic relationships, friendships, and even relationships with pets, but there are exceptions where separation can lead to the end of a relationship.
“Absence makes the heart grow fonder” is one of several idiomatic expressions found in a variety of cultures. The underlying sentiment of this particular saying has to do with how many people feel when a loved one is away for a period of time. During that time, you can focus more on the good things related to your missing loved one, rather than the flaws in him. As a result, the sense of love for that person appears to increase over time, actually leading to a stronger feeling for that individual than was present when they were in close proximity.
The phenomenon of absence making the heart grow has been experienced by a number of people in many contexts. When a loved one has to be out of town for several months due to work or some kind of military assignment, those left behind are very likely to begin to idealize their loved one. This is especially true when communication opportunities are somewhat limited, perhaps only to short online chats or the occasional exchange of letters by mail. Over time, the person’s desire to return can increase significantly, especially just before the planned return.
While “absence makes the heart grow fonder” is normally associated with love or family relationships, the expression is sometimes applied to friendships and even relationships between pets and their owners. For example, a prolonged separation from a friend may cause those left behind to reflect on what that friendship means and find that the absent friend contributes more than previously realized. Similarly, a family on vacation may find they miss their pet more than expected. In both scenarios, the absence leads to a joyous event when all parties involved come together.
While the phenomenon of absence making the heart grow is very common, there are exceptions. Depending on the circumstances, the period of separation can cause one or both parties involved to reevaluate the value of the relationship and discover that being apart is preferable to being together. This can sometimes happen with romantic relationships, especially when one or both parties find new interests during that time of separation. For this reason, it’s important to note that absence won’t always lead to stronger emotional connections; under certain circumstances, it can actually lead to the end of the relationship.
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