There were a series of events over the last year, more specifically the last couple of weeks that will lead to some tough changes. I did some things I'm not proud of, I did some other things that I am proud of. I don't mean to be overly vague, but you'll get the gist below...

Many of these lessons will be cliche, but if you're not practicing them they will either become painfully apparent or you will remain blissfully ignorant and likely unhappy.

1. In all of your relationships practice honesty.

I've doomed many relationships with dishonesty out of self preservation or not wanting to hurt my partner. Do you really want to be in a relationship where you can't tell someone what's on your mind?

2. Know what you want and remain steadfast in protecting it.

If you go into a relationship knowing what you want and you can communicate that clearly to your partner, then you're going to remain happy, content, fulfilled. So honesty becomes pretty easy when your relationship has comfortable boundaries and understandings. This quote applies here:

"You get what you emphasize, you get what you tolerate."

3. Know your partner's needs and practice them every day, unconditionally.

If you have needs that your partner needs to support, then you have to return that favor. The REAL GOLDEN RULE: Don't treat others how you want to be treated. Treat others how they want to be treated.

4. Don't judge.

I know this is almost as cliche as be honest, but why would you judge the person you're spending most of your time with, or plan to spend your life with...isn't that more a reflection on you than on their perceived faults?

Instead try to understand. Take action. Maybe you need to communicate something better. Maybe you need touch on some of their insecurities (that they've shared with you because you've developed trust through honesty) to let them know that you accept them for their shortcomings.

The list goes on. But my point is, we're all at different points in our lives. You may need to pull your partner along to help them, or you may need to be pulled...

5. Practice gratitude.

Don't be mad your partner didn't make dinner. Be grateful that you have someone to eat dinner with.

Don't be made your partner left the sink dirty. Be grateful you had food on the table.

But if they don't load the dishwasher right, that shit is inexcusable.