Most “missing” puzzle pieces are under the couch. Look closer before you decide something’s gone.

Gone and not yet found are different conditions. The piece is almost always under the couch, which means the first reaction, that something is permanently lost, is usually wrong and is reached in about four seconds. People do this with friendships, chances and their own abilities. You decide it is over and stop looking, and the stopping is what actually makes it over.

Before you write off the next thing, give it one more genuine look. One more message, one more attempt, one more place you have not checked. Then you will know rather than assume.