I was thinking about this while practicing the piano the other day and it’s actually quite simple in my view…
Sorry to break it to all you hopeless romantics but love alone is not enough to maintain a beautiful relationship :-(
If love was enough, everyone who ever fell in love would be happily in their relationships forever after, right?
But that's not the case.
So if love isn’t enough then what else do you need?
Well…
You need the tools and skills.
You see, a relationship is like a piano.
You don’t play something beautiful on the piano just because you love music.
You play something beautiful because you show up to the keys every day.
Because you understand rhythm.
Because you keep going, even when you hit the wrong notes.
Because you tune it when it's out of harmony.
Because you practice everyday, even when you're tired and you don't feel like it.
Love is what you put in, but it’s not the piano.
What tune are you getting in your relationship?
That will depend on your ability to care…
On your ability to communicate…
On your ability to repair…
On your ability to navigate conflict effectively…
On your ability to stay present when you'd rather avoid
And on your ability to heal your childhood wounds so they don't pollute the relationship.
It's complex.
It requires a lot of skill.
And a beautiful relationship only happens when you are willing to show up consistently and are willing to sharpen your skills.
Which is why I’m glad you’re here.
Relationships takes effort and consistency, and if you get lazy, you will keep hitting bum notes and the music will sound terrible.
What are your thoughts?