The Case for a Solid Relationship

These are interesting times. And they don’t just impact your business—they impact every aspect of your life.

I’m grateful to have an amazing relationship with a man that I am deeply, ridiculously in love with. Just ask my friends.

In case you’ve forgotten how challenging the business environment is… Yes, I know some industries are booming. I don’t happen to be in one of them. Consumers are more jaded, smarter, and more discerning. They want to build long-term relationships before they spend a penny with you. In theory, I love this, but it means old practices have to change.

In the U.S., there are tariffs and talk of recession. Consumers are holding onto their dollars.

I’ve had to change how I market, adjust my offers, and be more aggressive- when, like you, I’d like to curl up in a ball and let the world drift away.

There’s cultural and personal uncertainty everywhere.

The business decisions I make are riskier simply because of the economic environment.

That brings worry, angst, fear, and frustration- all of the emotions that can put you in a shitty mood.

If you have a crappy job and things aren’t going well professionally, that will impact your mood.

Either scenario could be dragging your relationship down.

My most important relationship is with my husband. He is my rock. He supports me even when the risks I’m taking arguably impact him more than they do me. He sees me stressed, staring into the void, paralyzed. He still loves me.

All of this cultural and personal uncertainty, all of this negativity in the air, could make me miserable to be around. My dogs would probably tell you that there are times they just want to hang outside while I’m inside being cranky.

I know what it’s like to be around someone who’s generally miserable. I know what it can do to a relationship. I don’t want to be that person. I don’t want to create fissures in my most important relationship.

How can you keep your relationship solid?

Find joy and be present.

I know- everyone says it, and we so often forget.

I try to check my crankiness at the door when he walks in. It doesn’t always work. Sometimes I just need a hug.

I laugh at his jokes even when I don’t feel like it.

I listen and commiserate with his stories from work.

I stay present. I find joy in the moments we have together.

Next thing I know, I’m wholeheartedly laughing at his antics, sharing funny dog stories, and feeling lighter.

I share what’s been weighing on me, but I don’t dwell on it. He listens, commiserates, and then asks, “Did you get any exercise today?”

If I did, I say yes—it helped. If I didn’t, I might snarl and say no. He replies, “You know you’ll feel better.” And he’s right. Then he lets it go.

Find resilience

Not long after we met, he was diagnosed with cancer. That time in our lives created some lasting habits- one of them being our before-bed chats.

He goes to bed before I do. I’m usually in the middle of reading or watching Netflix when he’s ready to talk.

When we started this ritual, life felt different. I didn’t need to step out of my own head as much. I could easily put my book down or turn off Netflix for our chats.

Now, it’s harder. Harder to focus on someone else’s thoughts. But I remind myself- this is the man who means more to me than anything. He and our relationship deserve my time and attention.

So we talk. We laugh about dumb things, discuss the effects of war/pollution, fantasize about our next home, and ask each other for advice.

It’s our bubble of honesty, love, respect, and communication. It’s part of what keeps our relationship, the foundation of my life, solid.

This is where relationships either strengthen or fade. This is where we build resilience. Where we open the door to dreams and a future we both want.

He lets me cry, I let him rant.

And we build the reserves to get through it- through the days when I can’t shake the emotional weight, through the times when he’s had enough of dealing with medical frustrations.

You need to find a way through this.

A way to strengthen your relationships with others and with yourself.

My mental health is better because I take the time to nurture our relationship.

I don’t have a perfectly laid-out formula to ensure your relationship thrives. It takes two people both willing to do the work.

I know I want a strong, lasting relationship. I want my connections to flourish, no matter what’s happening in the world. That means I have to show up and put in the effort.

So I do.

I put my book down. I file away my mood. I stay present.

We will laugh at anything funny. We tell work stories. and tell work stories.

We take the dogs for a walk together- even when I’d rather keep reading.

What do you do to maintain and foster solid relationships? Share in the comments.