--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: You know what they say,\" Dad said. \"If…" description: "\"“You know what they say,\" Dad said. \"If you love something set it free.\" \"What if he doesn't come back?\" \"Something do, somethings don't,\" he said, rea..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b24/jennifer-e-smith-1454_andrew-sullivan_you-know-what-they-say-dad-said-if-you-l_1516477.jpg" --- # You know what they say," Dad said. "If you love something… ![“You know what they say," Dad said. "If you love something set it free." "What if he doesn't come back?" "Something do, somethings don't," he said, reaching to tweak her nose. "I'll always come back to you anyway." "You don't light up," Hadley said, but Dad only smiled. "I do when I'm with you.” quote by Jennifer E. Smith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b24/jennifer-e-smith-1454_andrew-sullivan_you-know-what-they-say-dad-said-if-you-l_1516477.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b24/jennifer-e-smith-1454_andrew-sullivan_you-know-what-they-say-dad-said-if-you-l_1516477.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b24/jennifer-e-smith-1454_andrew-sullivan_you-know-what-they-say-dad-said-if-you-l_1516477.jpg) > ““You know what they say," Dad said. "If you love something set it free." "What if he doesn't come back?" "Something do, somethings don't," he said, reaching to tweak her nose. "I'll always come back to you anyway." "You don't light up," Hadley said, but Dad only smiled. "I do when I'm with you.”” [Jennifer E. Smith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jennifer-e-smith/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. A father advises love with freedom, yet assures return, highlighting the tension between letting go and fear of loss. **In simple terms:** Love requires freedom but also reassurance. Key Takeaway Balance freedom with commitment. Themes love family trust freedom fear Mood thoughtful reassuring intimate Type advice dialogue emotional When to use this quote - breakups - reassurance conversations - long distance relationships - parental advice Key Concepts attachment theory communication parental guidance Questions to Reflect On - What does “set free” truly mean in love? - How can you show commitment while granting independence? A Different Perspective Freedom can lead to abandonment if not balanced. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet ## Related quotes > [“That’s the way these things work, kiddo,” he says. “Love isn't supposed to make sense. It's completely illogical.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jennifer-e-smith/that-s-the-way-these-things-work-kiddo-he-says-love-isn-t-supposed-to/) [Jennifer E. 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