I got this forward a few years back and in my superior intellectual height at that time I thought that it was a bit trite, I saved it anyways. I found it today and somehow today, the simplicity of it was what I thought was very apt.

People come into your life 
for a reason, 
a season, 
or a lifetime. 
When you figure out which it is, 
you know exactly what to do.  

Some people come into your life for a reason.

It is usually to meet a need 
you have expressed outwardly or inwardly. 
They have come to assist you through a difficulty, 
to provide you with guidance and support, 
to aid you physically, emotionally, or spiritually. 
They may seem like a godsend, and they are. 
They are there for the reason you need them to be. 
Then, without any wrongdoing on your part 
or at an inconvenient time, 
this person will say or do something 
to bring the relationship to an end. 
Sometimes they die. 
Sometimes they walk away. 
Sometimes they act up or out 
and force you to take a stand. 
What we must realize is that 
our need has been met, 
our desire 
fulfilled; 
their work is done. 
The prayer you sent up 
has been answered and 
it is now time to move on. 

Some people come into your life for a season. It is because your turn has come 
to share, grow, or learn. 
They may bring you 
an experience of peace 
or make you laugh. 
They may teach you something 
you have never done. 
They usually give you 
an unbelievable amount of joy. 
Believe it! 
It is real! 
But, only for a season. 

Some people come into your life for a lifetime.

Relationships teach you lifetime lessons; 
those things you must build upon in order 
to have a solid emotional foundation. 
Your job is to accept the lesson, 
love the person/people (any way); 
and put what you have learned to use 
in all other relationships 
and areas of your life.