Relationships 101

RELATIONSHIPS 101 

When people ask me for relationship advice I always pass on the few rules I live by.

RULE #1 - NOTHING comes before your relationship. Not kids, family, friends, work, etc. If you put the kids first, what good will that do if Mommy and Daddy can't get along or are getting divorced? The relationship has to come first so you have a strong enough relationship to survive children, work, family and all of the stress that brings.

RULE #2 - Don't take an bulls&%t! People will treat you how you LET them treat you. People make mistakes but if someone treats you poorly more than once then it becomes your fault for putting up with it.

RULE #3 - When you have a problem ask yourself: Can I live with this if nothing changes? If the answer is yes then it really isn't that big of a problem. If the answer is no then you have two options, either fix it or get rid of it.

RULE #4 -  Never fight too hard to stay with someone who is willing to let you go & never hold on too tightly to someone who is willing to walk away. Have more respect for yourself than to ever beg someone to stick around. If they are willing to leave hold the door open for them.

RULE #5 - Property becomes that of the couple. You are a unit and it's important to think and act like one.  It's our house, our money and our things! If you start keeping a record of what belongs to whom you are automatically inserting a small wedge between you from the very beginning. Over time that little crack will turn into a huge valley that all of your little problems will slide in to eventually opening it up to the Grand Canyon. People come before things. Never forget that.

You have to fight for and work at any relationship. When it becomes more fighting than loving and all work rather than enjoying each other that's when you know you've got big problems and only the two of you can decide if you're going to fix it. You can't salvage any relationship if you both aren't committed to it.