Have you read Sun Tzu’s The Art of War?

@abooklover you’ve read it.

@GardenSage yep.
Thanks for BA!

Well, it really doesn't matter what you're more attracted to in the end, but the act of trying to court the bee. Like changing a bit to suit the person you love, if that is what it takes to keep them.

@SW-User to be More clear, I wouldnt try being a flower, I’d only try to court the bee as a tree.. the bee may even be slightly interested in me as the tree, but ultimately we’d be happier with our own... me with the bird and her with the flower.

I tend to think those who succeed at acting like a flower, ultimately change back into a tree and then want to change the bee into a bird.

I see relationships fail in this way

@GardenSage The goal may or may not be a long term relationship. Of course, if you are in a relationship for a long time, there are more opportunities to mess up. My comments were on attraction, not full blown relationships, although teachings in The Art of War could also be applied in marriages and long term relationships.

@GardenSage I got more out of the "Book of Five Rings" "Thick Face Black Heart" was also good...

@fun4us2b what about the Tao Te Ching? Do you enjoy eastern philosophy?

@GardenSage I read a lot when I was younger, not much anymore and I find it hard to believe anyone really follows it - I remember some Tao -

Knowing others is intelligence, self is wisdom, mastering others is strength, mastering yourself is power....

It’s not a very long book... 13 short chapters you could read in an afternoon.. it could be studied for life, however. @xRedx

@SW-User can you elaborate?