I ran into a former friend from long ago last week.  Someone I cared for deeply and who, over the span of about fifteen years, broke up our friendship three times, each time very abruptly and harshly, each time with me on the receiving end of the emotional beating...  Why did it happen three times?  Because I really loved this person and wanted her in my life.  Last week we saw each other at a doctor's office and she clearly wanted to chat, was very warm and turning towards me to talk and greet each other.