absence / distance makes the heart grow fonder

/ˈabsəns ɔː dˈɪstəns mˌeɪks ðə hˈɑːt ɡɹˈəʊ fˈɒndə/

/ˈæbsəns ɔːɹ dˈɪstəns mˌeɪks ðə hˈɑːɹt ɡɹˈoʊ fˈɑːndɚ/

[sentence]

[SENTENCE]

used to suggest that being separated from someone or something can increase our affection and appreciation for them

Examples

1. The woman had been away from her family for several months and realized that absence makes the heart grow fonder, as she felt a stronger emotional attachment to them upon her return.

2. -I wanted to stay away for seven years, as absence makes the heart grow fonder.

3. I think it was one of those absence makes the heart grow fonder situations where at the time I didn't appreciate it.

4. Absence makes the heart grow fonder and the marriage last longer.