Can some explain the meaning of "If you love someone, let them go"?

Question:

Can some explain the meaning of "If you love someone, let them go"?

If you love someone why would you let them go???

maybe I'm narrow minded, can someone further elaborate what this means?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: It's another form of manipulation. The goal of using 'love' is to get what you want.
The statement is just another angle that the idea of 'love' can be used to get that but
the act or guise is useless unless you get what you want in the end.
The sentence should read; if you want something from this person then make them believe that they are 'free' and then they will give you what you want.

The absurdity that 'you' can posses another being is at the heart of this.