why do people say, if you love something set it free, if it comes back to you it was meant to be....?

Answer 1

All that means is if you love someone and are trying to hold onto them, a way to test their devotion to you is to let go.
If they go, so be it. If they go and come back, they love you. If they dont go even better.

Answer 2

It's a very nice phrase to make you think if you actually need that certain something that you're reluctant to let go. This saying pertains to almost anything that goes on in your life; relationships, religion, etc. This phrase should make decision making a lot more concrete or more revealing. There are lots of things that we all think we can't live without but in reality, it's hindering us inside when we hold on to it tighter. I like to break it down like this:

"If you love something/someone, set it/them free...":

When we grow emotionally attached to someone or something, instinctively we have the mentality to think we can't live without him/her or that some thing. We think we're gonna lose something very precious. What actually happens mostly is if we grow too attached to who or whatever it may be, we take advantage of it. When this happens, the meaning of needing that someone/something diminishes. This happens in every kind of relationship you can think of. This can also happen as a child. Whenever a child recieves something special from a loved one, that child will charish it and never let it go under any circumstance; sometimes even when they've grown into adulthood. With relationships, if a person is very possessive of his/her partner, it can result to a very bad break up. It's the same with family relationships. Whenever it's time for parents to let their children live their own lives, it's extremly difficult the very first moment.

"...if it comes back to you, it was meant to be."

When you realize that special something/someone you've taken good care of for years as an accomplishment, it make letting go easier because with every accomplishment, there's always something special that comes right back to you. Using the examples above you'll realize that when you give up something special you've held dearly as a child to your future children, it adds meaning to it. And in relationships as well, you'll realize that time alone or with others makes your heart appreciate the relationship you're a part of.

Answer 3

To give people hope that if it was really love it will come back, so when the person doesn't come back you will feel better because it wasn't real love anyway. It's a comfort line.

Answer 4

because you can't make someone love you, you can't make them stay, but if you give them room to be themselves & grow, and if you are meant to be together, then you will

Answer 5

i prefer to think of this other one that says.. when you love something.. follow it and stalk it till it gives in..