She has her own life

Every so often, I hear that lovely oldie by Stevie Nicks, "Leather and Lace."

Great piece of music and poignant lyrics.

She says: "I have my own life and I am stronger than you know."

Every time I hear that, I silently thank her for that reminder. I need to be reminded.

How often, in our natural selfishness and even in the throes of love, a man forgets that very important truth about a woman. She's not just shapely meat or even just his loving companion. She has her own life. She had a life before she met him. She's entitled to a life of her own -- independent thoughts, independent dreams -- even as she walks beside him in love.