Dating : Your Relationship is an LLC…Act Accordingly

The key to a lasting relationship is selecting your life partner in the same manner in which you would choose a business partner. I’m sharing some of my favorite tips — the ones I’ve discussed with my closest friends. You’re welcome.

1. Selecting the Right Candidate

You want the best of the best, but keep in mind that “best” does not mean “perfect.” Create a list of substantive deal-breakers and stick to it.; by deal-breakers, I mean what you will not accept in a partner. Drug use, smoking, psychosis — these are some more common red flags that signal “DO NOT PASS GO.” Remember that the longer your list, the harder it will be for you to find someone. Some of those deal-breakers can be shifted to the “I wouldn’t be crazy about this but I can live with it” list.

2. The Probationary Period

This is the first twelve months of your relationship. Twelve months may seem like a long time, but it’s the same amount of time that I was on probation when I worked for the Long Island Rail Road back in the day. They were pretty strict, but with good reason — as you should be in a new relationship. Remember, people show you their best version of themselves in the beginning. Crazy is hard to keep hidden for a year. If you detect a hint of crazy during probation, nip that ish in the bud and keep it moving!

3. Relationship Start-Up Capital

This refers to the amount of time, effort and yes, money, that both parties are willing to invest to get the relationship off the ground. During the probationary period (and beyond), be sure to analyze the amount of capital that you’ve invested and compare it to that of your partner’s. Is the investment one-sided? Are you always the one calling? Is one person doing all the spending while the other’s doing all the taking? If that’s the case, then what you have is a sole proprietorship. In a true partnership, it takes two to make it work.

Now, keep in mind that this is by no means a complete list. And, of course, there’s exceptions to every rule — except these three. Good luck!

Until next time,

Zora