The Romance Road Map

Hey everyone, it's your go-to life coach, Victoria, here to spill the tea on lasting love and friendship. Wondering how my husband and I are still #CoupleGoals after 8 years? Buckle up, lovebirds and friend-seekers, because here are the golden rules to keep your relationships solid.

Know Thy Desires: The biggest relationship blunder? Not knowing what you want. Grab your phone, open Notes, and jot down your dream partner's traits, inside and out. Be clear, or you're setting yourself up for a heartache.

Pay Attention: First date and you're scrolling Instagram? Big no-no! Show genuine interest. Listen to their dreams and fears. Trust your gut; as Malcolm Gladwell says, "our first impressions are generated by our experiences and our environment."

Boundary Up: When I first dated my husband, no lip action happened on date one. Set your boundaries early and stick to them. Your relationship, your rules!

Be Unapologetically You: Pretense is a relationship killer. Be quirky, be silly, just be you. My husband fell for my weird and wonderful ways, and that authentic connection is priceless.

Consistency is Key: If you're into them, show it. My husband separated himself from the pack by being consistent and true to his word. If you say you're going to call, then call!

Open Communication: No one's a mind reader. If something's bugging you or you're over the moon about something, speak up! Transparent communication builds trust and breaks walls.

Date Nights are Must-Haves: Whether it's a romantic evening or a goofy game night, keep setting aside time for each other. It’s like a mini-vacation from the daily grind.

Don't Keep Score: Healthy relationships aren't a 50/50 split, they're 100/100. Drop the tally marks and focus on giving, and the relationship will naturally balance itself out.

Grow Together, But Also Apart: Pursue individual growth alongside your relationship. While it's great to share common interests and goals, it's crucial to invest in yourself too. Make time for personal pursuits, because a well-rounded 'you' complements a well-rounded 'us.'

Share the Financial Love: A relationship is a partnership, so don't let one person foot all the bills. Take turns treating each other to maintain a balanced, equal dynamic.

So there you have it! Add these to your relationship toolkit and you’re pretty much invincible in the game of love and friendship.

XOXO,

Victoria S 🌟