This site is reader-supported and we earn commissions if you purchase products from retailers after clicking on a link from our site. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchasesProudly supporting small businesses.


Home » Rolladank Blog » Personal Development » Is it true: If you Love Something, Let It Go?

To those that are reading this, thank you for taking the time to stop by. If any other these articles have provided some insights, it's all worth the effort. Journey on.


Is it true: If you Love Something, Let It Go?

Is it true if you love something let it go? This phrase has been a staple of love advice for years, popularized in literature, movies, and music. It implies that in order to truly love something or someone, you must be willing to let them go. But what does it really mean to let go of something or someone you love, and is it always the best course of action? In this article, we’ll explore the different interpretations of this saying, how it applies to different types of love, the benefits, and limitations of letting go, and when it may not be the best option.

What Does It Mean to “Let Go”?

The phrase “letting go” can mean different things to different people. At its core, it means to release your grip on something or someone and allow them to be free. It can be interpreted in a few different ways:

  • Letting go of control. Sometimes we hold onto things or people too tightly, trying to control every aspect of their lives. Letting go means recognizing that we cannot control everything and that sometimes the best thing we can do is step back and allow things to unfold naturally.
  • Letting go of attachment. Attachment is a strong emotional bond that we form with people or things. Letting go of attachment means recognizing that our happiness should not depend on external factors and that we must find contentment within ourselves.
  • Letting go of expectations. We often have expectations of how things should be, and when they don’t meet those expectations, we can become disappointed or disillusioned. Letting go of expectations means accepting things as they are and not trying to force them into a predetermined mold.

How Does “Letting Go” Apply to Different Types of Love?

Love can take many forms, and the concept of letting go can apply differently depending on the type of love involved.

Romantic Love: In romantic love, letting go can mean recognizing when a relationship is no longer healthy or fulfilling and choosing to move on. It can also mean allowing your partner the space and freedom to be themselves, without trying to control or change them.

Familial Love: In familial love, letting go can mean recognizing that our loved ones are not extensions of ourselves and that they have their own lives to live. It can also mean accepting that our family members may not always make choices that we agree with, and that it is not our place to control their decisions.

Platonic Love: In platonic love, letting go can mean recognizing when a friendship is no longer serving either party and choosing to move on. It can also mean allowing your friends to pursue their own interests and passions, even if they don’t align with your own.


Letting go is never easy especially if there is a strong connection. Sometimes there are things in our life’s that is out of our control and the best option for our sanity is simply walking away. No two people and relationships are ever the same and each has their own set of circumstances and problems. It’s always best to try to make it work because if you let go to soon, you will soon find regret which is way more harder to deal with than your ego. Regardless, there some things that we need to do no matter how uncomfortable they make us.

The Benefits of Letting Go

Letting go can be a difficult and painful process, but it can also have many benefits.

  • It allows for personal growth. When we let go of things or people that no longer serve us, we create space for new experiences and opportunities to come into our lives. It also allows us to develop our own sense of self-worth and identity, independent of external factors.
  • It can improve relationships. When we let go of our need to control or change others, we create a healthier dynamic in our relationships. By accepting people for who they are, we can build deeper connections based on mutual respect and understanding.
  • It can bring peace of mind. Holding onto things or people too tightly can create a sense of anxiety or stress. Letting go can bring a sense of peace and acceptance, allowing us to focus on the present moment rather than worrying about the future.

Although there may be potential benefits to be gained, it’s important to acknowledge that the pursuit of what we desire may come at a cost. This cost can take many forms, but one of the many common fears is that of loneliness, and letting go. It’s this fear that often keeps individuals stuck in relationships that are not beneficial for their mental or spiritual well-being.

Letting go of such relationships can be a difficult, but this road needs caution and is often navigated alone. However, it’s a necessary journey to embark upon if one hopes to find what they truly seek in the end.

The Limitations of Letting Go

While letting go can have benefits, it’s not always the best option, and there are limitations to consider.

  • Letting go can be painful. Letting go of something or someone you love can be a difficult and painful process. It can feel like you’re giving up on something that is important to you, and it may take time to process the emotions that come with that.
  • Letting go is not always possible. In some cases, letting go may not be possible or appropriate. For example, if you have a child with special needs, you may not be able to simply let go and move on. Similarly, if you’re in a toxic work environment, you may not be able to just walk away without consequences.
  • Letting go can be misconstrued. The idea of letting go can be misinterpreted as giving up or not caring. It’s important to remember that letting go is not about abandoning something or someone, but rather about releasing control and allowing things to unfold as they will.

When it comes to difficult situations, it’s important to take a thoughtful and deliberate approach to determine the best course of action. It’s not uncommon to find ourselves sacrificing our own happiness for the sake of someone else’s. However, this can ultimately lead to our own unhappiness.

Only you know what truly lies in your heart and what your needs are, so it’s crucial to carefully consider your options. Rushing into decisions without proper consideration can lead to regret and further complications. So take your time, weigh your choices, and make a decision that aligns with your own personal values and needs.

When Is Letting Go Not the Best Option?

There are some situations where letting go may not be the best option. For example:

  • When the relationship is salvageable. If you’re in a romantic relationship that has hit a rough patch, it may be worth working through the issues rather than simply letting go. Couples therapy or open communication can help address the underlying problems and strengthen the relationship.
  • When it goes against your values. Letting go of something or someone may go against your core values and beliefs. In those cases, it may be necessary to hold on and fight for what you believe in.
  • When it’s important to you. If something or someone is truly important to you, it may be worth holding on and working through the difficulties. Letting go should not be a knee-jerk reaction, but rather a thoughtful decision made after considering all options.

Final Thoughts

In the saying “if you love something, let it go” has been popularized in media and literature as a way to express the idea that in order to truly love something or someone, you must be willing to let them go. However, the concept of letting go can be interpreted in different ways, and it applies differently to different types of love.

Letting go can have benefits, such as personal growth and improved relationships, but there are also limitations to consider, such as the pain of letting go and the potential for misinterpretation. Ultimately, the decision to let go or hold on should be made thoughtfully, considering all options and taking into account the unique circumstances of each situation.