Some time ago, I was reading some sage commentary about Saints which originated in Crete, one of the Greek-Islands.  

The first was the “Saint Distance.” It means to have distinction. Do not suffocate the other person with your presence. Sometimes you know, getting away from someone, is the only solution so as not to ruin the relationship. The old adage is sometimes true that distance makes the heart grow fonder.

The second was “Saint Patience.” Great Saint. If you make him your friend, he will help you face all the difficulties of life. No matter how big or scary they look. Patience is a virtue that spans the senses of “time.”

And the third was “Saint Silence.” It’s hard to make him your friend. To be silent is even harder. It is an art to know how to speak. But it is a greater art to be able to be silent. To not hurt. To not despair. To not betray. To not be proud. What comes out of the mouth cannot be withdrawn, that’s  what makes us unclean...

Distance, Patience, and Silence ... three Saints worth being friends with... keep their examples in your heart, and know when to emulate them.

James A. Marples.

Esbon