Beginning of love ...

Got to read a good quote on the Internet.

"The beginning of love is to let those we love be perfectly themselves, and not to twist them to fit our own image. Otherwise we love  only the reflection of ourselves we find in them."
~Thomas Merton

Many people in love, and mainly the married couples tend to mould their spouse in a shape like theirs. Typically, they start from finding similarities in their likes and dislikes. More the match there, they feel the better would be their match as a couple for the rest of the life. But, this does not hold true for long. As the time goes, more of the differences start getting uncovered, which then starts a tussle between the couple on how much each of them succeeds in moulding the other in their own shape. Leading to dissatisfaction, frustration and stress in the relationship. And the relationship generally worsens with time and becomes a burden to carry for the rest of the life.
On the other hand, if the couple realises the fact, quoted above, earlier in the relationship (best is right from the beginning) and loves (not accepts) the other person with what s/he is, then it becomes a different story altogether. Both get their "own space" (much talked about jargon these days :). I think, everyone needs to exercise this in their lives to have a more engaging, exciting and a happier life.
Lets all have better relationships and a better Life ...