Page 9 - SILFlip

lives better. I think about things I can do for you. I do the work of having a relationship with you. Sounds good, right? But there’s a catch—there are responsibilities on your end too.
Having a relationship with me is work for you too! We have to work together if we are going to have a relationship that is more than a “say hi at the elevator” relationship. That’s the deal. I work for you, you work for me and our relationship becomes transformative because the mutuality of that commitment to work elevates our relationship to a higher place than “just the work,” or “just the help.” Our partnership will transcend the task of doing something together. You don’t have to understand this very deeply now, but hopefully it will mean something important by the end. Actually, it should mean everything by the end.
The Work
We are very early into this book or program (depending on whether you are just reading or taking the seminar) and I am already trying to teach you a core concept, which I do by emphasizing what I think is important in italics:
Relationships, at least those that are worth anything, involve work. For some, work is a dirty word. Why should relationships, partnerships, loving another person, friendships, etc., require work? Shouldn’t compatible people just ‘click’ and enjoy one another’s company?
Staying in Love: Secret Recipes For Making Love Last 9