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

We need people in our lives with whom we can be as open as possible. To have real conversations with people may seem like such a simple, obvious suggestion, but it involves courage and risk. - Thomas Moore

The coolest people I've ever met have the most colorful past, they've lived lives of risk, made bad choices, learned lessons, explored, and they're not afraid of being real. Tattered tapestries woven of similar threads, they're my kind of people. My favorite shades of crazy. - Stephen L. Lizotte

"You, my dear, are too complex to be loved by a simple man. Wait for that dreamer with a brave heart who learns your heart by heart." - Nausicaa Twila