When you smile at me, my heart skips a beat; when you bow, I lean forward in response; when you lose your temper, I stay silent like a fire extinguisher; yet you swear an oath to keep your distance from me.
One bow to Heaven and Earth, and then enduring the wife's whims; two bows to the elders, and then pleasing the mother-in-law; the couple bows to each other, and the belt is tightened; entering the bridal chamber, I kneel on the floor while she sleeps on the bed. Alas, I am a sheep and she is a wolf; married life is a long sentence.
To possess honesty is to renounce hypocrisy and boredom; to possess steadiness is to renounce impetuousness. Whether it is a deliberate letting go or an accidental loss, as long as one has truly possessed it once, letting go gracefully can also be a state of high character.
This is an inner persistence and one of life's greatest wealths. Women long for security from men, but those who have experienced living alone know that the security they provide themselves is far more reliable.
"Giving roses leaves a lingering fragrance on the hands." It is more rewarding to bring happiness to others than to receive it oneself. A little help when a friend is in trouble helps them overcome difficulties and find happiness; a bit of comfort when a relative is in pain allows them to taste the sweetness of life.
Summer has its green grass and red flowers; winter has its frost-covered branches and jade-like leaves. In summer, rivers flow into the sea under a clear sky, and boating after rain brings peace of mind; in winter, lakes are frozen and snow falls endlessly, making ice skating an enchanting joy. What surges into the heart is a tide, and what overflows from the eyes are tears.
