Finding the One
In episode 9 of the SOS podcast, hosts Megan and Rob start off by discussing the excitement of their podcast’s voiceover, and joke about how they’re learning as they go and making things up as they proceed. Megan then shares the news that she and her husband celebrated their 18th wedding anniversary by attending a Pearl Jam concert, which was a bucket list item for her. They then move on to discussing the benefits of gratitude and how it can help in shaping one’s life and daily routine. Throughout the episode, Megan and Rob offer tips and tricks for practicing gratitude and discuss the importance of staying present in the moment.
Don’t settle for less.
We all have dreams and aspirations for our lives, whether it is in our relationships, our careers, or our hobbies. Unfortunately, it is all too easy to settle for less than we deserve in life. We can get caught up in the moment and forget to think about what we truly want and need.
When it comes to relationships, settling can be particularly dangerous. We can end up in a relationship that isn’t fulfilling or healthy, simply because we don’t want to be alone. We can become comfortable in a relationship that doesn’t meet our needs, and it can be hard to break out of it.
The lesson here is clear: don’t settle for less than you deserve. Whether it is in your relationships, career, or hobbies, take the time to consider what you truly want and need. Don’t let yourself be swayed by the moment or by fear of being alone. Take the time to think about what you want and don’t settle for anything less.
Explore before committing.
When it comes to relationships, it is especially important to explore before committing. We often think that the first person we meet is the one for us, but that is not always the case. It is important to get to know someone before making a commitment to them. Don’t let yourself be swayed by the idea of a perfect wedding or a big day with family and friends. Take the time to get to know the person and make sure that you are compatible.
The Netflix show “Love is Blind” is a prime example of why it is important to explore before committing. The show follows couples who get engaged after only a couple of weeks of talking behind a wall. Without being able to see each other, they are forced to rely on their conversations to decide if they are compatible. Although it is an interesting experiment, it is not a good example of a healthy relationship.
It is important to remember that relationships take work and effort. They require intentionality and dedication. Even if you think you have found the one, don’t rush into marriage. Take the time to get to know the person and make sure that you are compatible. Don’t let yourself be swayed by the idea of a perfect wedding or a big day with family and friends. Take the time to explore and make sure that you are making the right decision.
Give yourself permission to have fun.
At the same time, it is also important to give yourself permission to have fun. You don’t have to be serious all the time, even if you are in a committed relationship. I learned this lesson when I was 21 and dating someone. Even though we were serious, I still allowed myself to have fun and enjoy the relationship. I think that this gave me the freedom to explore, to take risks and to really get to know the person I was with.
When the relationship ended, I was able to reflect on what I wanted in a partner. I realized that I wanted someone who was mature and had similar interests to me. I also wanted someone taller than me, but I had to ask myself if that was the most important thing. I decided that it wasn’t worth it and kept looking.
Then I met my now husband Ben. I was amazed at how many similarities he had to my previous boyfriend. They both spoke multiple languages, played soccer, traveled the world, and had the same major in college. Even their dad’s name was the same!
I am so glad that I gave myself permission to have fun in my previous relationship. It allowed me to explore and get to know myself better. It gave me the confidence to look for something better and to know what I wanted in a partner. I am also glad that I did not rush into marriage. Taking the time to get to know Ben was the best decision I ever made.
In conclusion, it is important to give yourself permission to have fun. You don’t have to be serious all the time and it is okay to explore and take risks. Take the time to get to know the person you are with and make sure that you are compatible. Don’t rush into marriage and take the time to find the right partner for you.
Timing is everything.
Timing and intentionality matters when it comes to relationships. We can’t always control when and where we meet someone, but we can be intentional about how we approach and develop the relationship. By taking the time to get to know someone and understanding their needs, we can create a strong foundation for a lasting relationship.
For example, my friends were able to develop a strong relationship because they took the time to get to know each other and understand each other’s needs. They waited until the timing was right before taking the next step in their relationship. They also had a clear vision of what they wanted in a partner and were intentional in their search.
In addition, couples can benefit from intentional and ongoing communication. My friends have been married for 18 years and have been in couples counseling multiple times. They understand the importance of communicating their needs and expectations to each other, and they have been able to use this to their advantage.
It is also important to create a relationship that is based on mutual respect and understanding. This means that both partners should be willing to compromise and be open to each other’s ideas and opinions. This creates a strong bond that can withstand any challenge.
Lastly, it is important to be mindful of your relationship. This means taking the time to appreciate each other and to recognize the little things that make your relationship special. It is also important to be intentional in your actions and to be mindful of how you are treating your partner.
Overall, timing and intentionality are important factors when it comes to relationships. By taking the time to get to know someone and being intentional in our actions, we can create strong and lasting relationships.
Shift and change with time.
As we journey through life, our relationships must shift and change with time. This is especially true when it comes to marriage. A couple who has been married for 60 years, as mentioned in the podcast, has likely gone through several “marriages” within that span of time. This means that their relationship has likely changed multiple times.
At the beginning of a relationship, when two people are dating, the relationship will likely be different than when they are engaged, newly married, or even after they have been married for several years. Life events such as having children, retiring, or the children leaving the house can also have a big impact on the relationship. It is important to be flexible and open to change in order to maintain a healthy marriage.
It is also important to be aware of the fact that the person we marry at a certain time may not be the best person for us as we continue to grow. This does not mean that anything went wrong, it is simply part of the progression of relationships. Ideally, we want to be like two cars on a highway, going in the same direction and at the same speed. However, life events can cause one partner to speed up or slow down, leading to a disconnection and feeling of being lost.
It is important to remember that it is not always necessary to talk about everything in order to improve a marriage. Sometimes it is helpful to check in with yourself and be mindful of how you are showing up in the relationship. Are you being the most helpful version of yourself?
In conclusion, it is important to take the time to get to know someone and be intentional in our actions in order to create strong and lasting relationships. As we journey through life, our relationships must shift and change with time. It is important to be flexible and open to change in order to maintain a healthy marriage. It is also important to be mindful of how we are showing up in the relationship and be the most helpful version of ourselves.
Shift your perspective.
One way to shift our perspective is to focus on the positive aspects of our relationships. Instead of focusing on the things we don’t like or the faults of our partner, we can focus on the things we can be grateful for and the wonderful aspects of our partner. This can be a powerful tool in improving our relationships. It is also important to be mindful of our emotions and how they may be influencing our behavior. Emotions can be helpful in understanding our needs, but they can also be detrimental if they are used to create resentment or criticism.
It is also important to take a step back and look at our relationships from a different perspective. This can help us to gain insight into our relationships and the dynamics between us and our partners. Taking the time to zoom out and look at the bigger picture can help us to gain clarity on the situation and shift our perspective.
Finally, it is important to be aware of our own thoughts and how they can influence our relationships. We can choose to focus on the positive aspects of our relationships, or we can focus on the negative aspects. It is important to be mindful of our thoughts and to focus on the positive aspects of our relationships in order to create a healthy and loving environment.
Shifting our perspective can have a powerful effect on our relationships. It can help us to gain clarity and insight into our relationships and the dynamics between us and our partners. It can also help us to focus on the positive aspects of our relationships and create a more loving and supportive environment. Taking the time to shift our perspective can be a powerful tool in improving our relationships and creating strong and lasting connections.
Make deposits in relationships.
One of the most important things we can do for our relationships is to make deposits. Making deposits in relationships means investing in the relationship by doing things that make both people feel valued and appreciated. This could include spending quality time together, engaging in meaningful conversations, expressing gratitude and appreciation, and finding ways to make the other person feel special. Making deposits in relationships can also include physical affection, like hugs, holding hands, and other gestures of love and affection.
Making deposits in relationships is essential for creating a strong and lasting bond. It helps to build trust, understanding, and mutual respect. It also helps to create a sense of safety and security, which can be especially important in marriages and long-term relationships. Making deposits in relationships can also help to reduce stress and create a more positive atmosphere.
Making deposits in relationships doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. It can be as simple as taking the time to really listen to your partner, expressing your love and appreciation, or doing something special for them. Taking the time to invest in your relationship can make a world of difference and will help to create a strong and lasting bond.
Making deposits in relationships is an important part of creating a strong and healthy relationship. It helps to build trust, understanding, and mutual respect. It also helps to create a sense of safety and security. Taking the time to invest in your relationship can make a world of difference and will help to create a strong and lasting bond.
Set relationship goals annually.
One way to invest in your relationship is to set relationship goals annually. This is something that my husband and I have done since high school and have continued to do since we got married. Setting goals helps to create a roadmap for the upcoming year and gives us a sense of direction and purpose. We set goals for ourselves, each other, and as a family. This helps us to stay on the same page and ensures that we are all working towards the same goals.
Setting goals is not just about achieving them, it is also about creating a sense of connection and purpose. When we set goals together, it helps us to stay connected and to focus on the same things. It also helps us to stay focused on our relationship and to remember why we are together. It is important to remember that setting relationship goals is not just about the end result, but about the journey.
Another way to invest in your relationship is to use money for experiences instead of lavish gifts. Taking the time to do something together that you both enjoy is a great way to show your love and appreciation for each other. My husband recently bought me a word search book from Kroger, which is something I love to do. It was a great way for him to show me that he sees me and knows what I like.
Making deposits in relationships is an important part of creating a strong and healthy relationship. Setting relationship goals annually and using money for experiences are two great ways to invest in your relationship. Doing these things helps to create a sense of connection, understanding, and purpose. It also helps to create a strong and lasting bond.
