Grief at the absence of a loved one is happiness compared to life with a person one hates. Jean De La Bruyère
The absent are never without fault, nor the present without excuse. Benjamin Franklin
Being oppressed means the absence of choices. Bell Hooks
Separated lovers cheat absence by a thousand fancies which have their own reality. They are prevented from seeing one another and they cannot write; nevertheless they find countless mysterious ways of corresponding, by sending each other the song of birds, the scent of flowers, the laughter of children, the light of the sun, the sighing of the wind, and the gleam of the stars—all the beauties of creation. Victor Hugo
Absence cools moderate passions, and inflames violent ones; just as the wind blows out candles, but kindles fires. François La Rochefoucauld
The absence of the beloved, short though it may last, always lasts too long. Jean B. Molière
Absence doth sharpen love, presence strengthens it; the one brings fuel, the other blows it till it burns clear. Thomas Overbury
Days of absence, sad and dreary, Clothed in sorrow's dark array, Days of absence, I am weary; She I love is far away. Jean J. Rousseau
Absence from those we love is self from self - a deadly banishment. William Shakespeare