Easy and Hard Choices

From the Dark Mansion, the Lovers; from Miss Mai's Victorian Oracle, the Gentleman:

You cannot reach where you are going if you continue to be the same person you have always been. ― Germany Kent

The Lovers, besides representing a romantic liaison, also represents a choice. The Gentleman symbolizes pride and power; he would choose what would make him look good and feel as if he was an authority. I once dated a young man who was possibly the kindest, sweetest fellow I've ever met. But perhaps because of being raised by an alcoholic father and a submissive mother, he never learned how to push back on anything. As wonderful as he was, I was headstrong and fiery - I needed someone who could tell me bluntly when I was off the rails. Although it made me feel powerful, I ended the relationship because in it I would develop into a more self-absorbed person. I would stagnate instead of grow. The easy choices we are tempted to make aren't always the best choices.