On: But why can't I send people their passwords?

[Frozenlock]

I don't see how sending a reset link is secure.

Wouldn't anyone intercepting the email be able to use the reset link themselves and gain access to the account?

[lotyrin → Frozenlock]

Reset links can at least time out, passwords generally don't.

Providers should send you notifications when you reset your password, they generally don't when you just log-in like normal.