Love and the House That’s for Sale

There is an old adage in real estate that you make your money when you purchase a property, not at the end of the deal when you sell it.  For those of you not in real estate, that means how much return on your investment you get back depends on how well you bought in the first place.

Similarly, when it comes to love, the long-term success of your relationship—and a return on your emotional investment—depends on how well you selected your mate in the first place.

Photo: Son Josh and wife Eve, awesome couple!

 

Life is full of challenges. And you should be sure that whomever you select as your life-partner deals with those challenges in a manner that promotes more understanding and support for you both. In other words, you want someone who wants to solve problems, who takes his or her share of responsibility and who deals in a civil manner. And the sooner you can find that out, the better!

If you’re considering marriage or other long-term commitment, you should fully discuss how each of you will work together to resolve such problems, issues, stresses and challenges. It may not sound romantic, but having agreement on how these things will get worked out—assuming it translates to a win-win—can go a long way toward ensuring that the romance never dies!

Given that we all try to impress people when we’re first dating, it might be an interesting drill to see what happens if you show up late for a date once, or don’t call when expected. By all mean apologize, but see how the other person reacts. I’m not suggesting anyone “fake” something (she said, clearing her throat). All I’m saying is that you’d better find out as soon as possible or you may be in for a roller-coaster ride you wished you’d skipped.

In the end, the really great long-lasting love affairs and relationships are workable. They work. Issues have been worked out. And when such agreements are in place, more time can be spent having fun! And that IS romantic!