Being With Someone Awesome

10 things I have learned being in a relationship with a hard working, successful human.


I have my fair share of "lessons learned" in the past. I'm grateful for the things I learned in those situations. But ever since meeting Collin, I have not only become better as a human being, I have been tested on a whole different level of being someones "other half."

There are 10 things I that completely stick out to me of what to practice when you are with someone that you really are wanting and willing to be with for the long haul.

Now, don't get me wrong, I have my days, and I know he does too, where my patience and sanity are tested...I cry, I get quiet (weird), I sigh, I stick my face in a pillow and count to ten. I am no love or relationship expert, but the things I have learned are really something that have made this relationship so much more different and so much BETTER.

Anyways... read up, folks. Put these 10 things into your relationship and see what happens.


Eat Together
Offer to cook for your significant other. Especially when you know they've had a long, busy day. Sit down at a TABLE and eat. Avoid the couch or recliner. Face eachother. Ask about their day, talk about something random like if you were given 7 days to travel anywhere, where would you go and what would you do?

Develop Their (Healthy) Habits
If they smile and have energy towards other: smile and have energy towards others. If they eat healthy meals, eat healthy meals. If they work hard, work hard. If they turn negatives into positives, turn negatives into positives. Seriously, they notice if you don't practice the same (healthy) habits that they do.

Compliment Them
Get over if they don't compliment you enough. Tell them they look good in their (BKE) jeans. (Heller Collin's booty in BKE jeans.) Tell them you're proud of them for finishing a project, getting a new position at work, for how hard they work to provide, or that you love them so much because they do something they love. They deserve it. The human brain is more likely to relax and release endorphins when hearing praise from a loved one. Oh, and don't forget to accept their compliments. If they say you look great, say thank you. Confidence. It's awesome.

Workout Together
This is one I am confident will strengthen a relationship. Now, one of the two of you will probably be better at some things than the other. But your significant other seeing you work hard will give them an extra boost to step it up. Or vice versa. If they work hard in a workout, try to keep up...work hard! Smile. High five each other. Give them a knuckle pound.

Shut Up & Listen
I've been on both sides of this. Just let them talk. Vent. Whatever. Listen to everything until they ask you a question or are done and you know that they are done. Ask questions, try to stay neutral in the situation and try to understand what the real problem may be. It might not even be a problem. Maybe they're so excited about something. Smile, nod your head, listen! Be excited for them and let them know.

Avoid Raising Your Voice
Ladies, listen up. Raising your voice to a man automatically builds the fastest brick, steel, titanium wall EVER. Ever. Ever. They shut down. They stop listening. They're so fixated that you're mad/upset that they don't process words. I believe it's a natural thing. I'm sure this happens to some ladies, too. But in all honesty, ladies, we know we get more upset than men do. That doesn't mean you should write off this tip, guys. Ladies are more likely to get more upset if you raise your voice back. I know that a few times when I've started to do it and C kept calm, I ended up feeling silly and the situation was done and over with so fast just because he was so calm and collected. Seriously...try it.

Keep It Simple
Tell them exactly what you want. Don't change your mind. If you know you're going to change your mind, don't say anything at all.Tell them good morning, you love them, have a great day...text them short wishes at random times of the day. Pick up their favorite meal unexpectedly. Stick to the basics.

If They Forget, Forgive
They know if they forget something you're not going to be happy. They don't expect you to be understanding. Being understanding wins them over more than their guilt and "making up for it" will.

If They're Doing Better Than You, Re-evaluate
Working out, diet, work, business, money, reading...whatever it may be, if you're other half is doing better than you...And by better than you, I mean getting somewhere faster than you or getting a better outcome than you (and it's one that you want)...recheck what you're doing. Your habits, your language, how much sleep are you getting? Priorities...re-evaluate. Praise their success and progress! It starts with you!

Be Thankful
Humans seem to forget that being able to wake up every morning is something to be thankful for. Seriously, be glad you woke up this morning. That you could see. That you could hear. Smell. Hug your significant other. Be thankful for your place in life--where you can do whatever you want with it. Be thankful that you have the ability to understand, forgive, and receive forgiveness. Life is short, no matter how long you live, it's never long enough.

So, in all, I am thankful for someone that has definitely been beyond patient with me. Someone who has shown me how to be a better human being, daughter, sister, friend, and significant other. These weren't easy tasks, so don't think these happen without work, but they do happen with consistency.

Thank you, Collin. <3