Married almost 20 years and have realized that everything needs constant attention!!

Happy Valentine’s Day to all the relationships that exist in this world from married, to just dating, great friendships or parents who are so in love with their children as I am.  We have to treat every relationship with care and make sure we keep our attention to those we love and cherish for they are who we have when life gets rough and who helps us celebrate our accomplishments.

*Marriage and relationships are like a business and I am not talking about the rich and famous who get together for the benefit of their finances but I am talking about maintaining ( 6 ) good practices day in-day out.*

#1 The Interview– When you go on a job interview, the employer ask questions about you and qualifications, just like when you go on a date.  This first date will determine whether there is a second or not…so make a good impression always.

#2 Customer Satisfaction- When you are in business, your customers are the most important for sustaining your business, in a relationship, couples need to know when their needs aren’t being met and what they need to improve on.

#3 Communication- When you are in business, make sure that you are knowledgeable about the products and services you are are selling and where they are coming from, in a relationship, it is important to keep all lines of conversation open to let the partner know where you are in your thoughts and feelings about certain topics.  If something bothers you or is offensive and hurts you let them know.  This allows for each person to get to know where each other’s placement and views come from.

#4 Quotas- With any successful business, there are deadlines, schedules and maintenance needed to keep the business fresh and new, meanwhile, in a relationship, whether you are abstinent or having intercourse regularly, it is very important to have time set aside for Maintenance needed on both ends.  Making plans for date night every week incorporating family events or just some self-reflection time makes for a healthier relationship.  It also gives an opportunity for excitement and adrenaline rush like when you know you are about to go on vacation from work.  Time is precious-use it wisely.

#5 On-boarding of New Recruits- When in business, employees specialties come into play when it comes to a successful operation.  Now, when it comes to relationships-I am not talking about three-somes and freaky stuff-O.M.L.  I am talking about friendships with couples alike.  Making connections with others like yourself and spending time exchanging stories while having a good time, it helps relationships grow.  It is okay to be each other’s best friend at times because being able to laugh with one another is a plus for a healthy union.

#6 The Bottom-line- When you are running a business, there are going to be times of success and failures.  Mistakes made in business can be costly, so you have to get together as a team and figure out what is needed to get back on track.  In relationships, we are all human and make mistakes and as a team we must communicate, apologize and forgive mistakes.  Find out from each other what is needed to do better next time. Open lines of communication keep the relationship and individual changing for the better.  Closing the door, leads to heartache and shutdown.

Happy Valentines Day from a wife of almost 20 years married to my best friend who has made mistakes and has learned alot through these practices.  May the relationships you share be as fulfilling as mine.  Love, LaFrieda and Brian 2019