THE RELATIONSHIP DESIGN - AN ART IN PROGRESS

“Will you be my valentine?” Or, “Will you be my partner in designing a magnificent union that is creative, productive, awe-inspiring, and that will stand the test of time?” Sounds like a tall order, but in essence, that’s what a relationship, especially an intimate one, requires.
Like anything built to withstand traffic, climate, and erosion, the relationship needs constant inspection, maintenance, and sometimes, when things get rickety or tired, a renovation ... and sometimes, when things literally crumble to the ground, a complete restoration.
Respect is the mortar that keeps the foundation solid and immovable; respect for each other’s culture, sex, roots, ambitions, dreams, and life’s journey.
Memories and experiences make up the walls which are not always straight or perfect. Some are solid, some flimsy, some temporary, some immovable. They’re there to define the stages of our shared lives which are forever changing; sometimes working with us, sometimes against.
Next is the roof, the commitment piece of the relationship, built to withstand the fiercest of storms. No matter what, the roof must hold up. If it doesn’t the rest of the design ends up in rubble.
And then there’s the decor: the laughter, the colours, the shenanigans, the ‘here today-gone tomorrow’ fluff that keeps us liking each other, that keeps us human, that keeps us sane.
And - MOVE THAT BUS! There it stands - The Relationship Design, ready to receive a shower of arrows shot from those little, all too mischievous, winged cherubs.
How is your design holding out? Do you need to redecorate? Need to move a few walls? Put on a brand new roof? Build a stronger or different foundation? It’s never too late to start. And believe me, there’s nothing better than the smell of newly poured concrete, sawdust, and my favourite - fresh paint.
Happy Valentine’s Day.