Love Don't Cost A Thing
They say money can’t buy happiness and even though I’d much rather be crying on a yacht, ‘they’ have a point. My boyfriend and I recently had a FaceTime (#LongDistanceProblems) meeting to discuss the one thing that stresses me out more than anything else: finances. In the middle of crunching numbers I had an aha moment. I put my highlighter down and acted as my own yoga instructor telling myself to take a deep inhale and exhale. Once I felt my almost tears dry up I looked at Robby and thanked him for giving me all the things that money can’t buy. As I listened to the arguably sappy words come out of my own mouth I was reminded of the invaluable wealth in cherishing the things that don’t come with a receipt.
Since we are all navigating through personal relationships in a society where the radio blast songs about making it rain dolla dolla bills, friends are beginning to make hefty adult purchases and #FashionBloggers are posting a brand new outfit every hour it’s sometimes hard to not get tied up by the number in your bank account and focus on what really matters.
Let’s open our wallets and minds to discuss the 4 things that don’t come with a price tag yet have more power than a Benjamin Franklin.
1. Respect
I read a quote years ago that has stuck with me to this day. “There will be times in your life when you have to choose between being loved and being respected. Always pick being respected. That love without respect was always fleeting but that respect could grow into real, lasting love.” In my eyes, anyone who truly wants to be in your life will respect your boundaries and you should respect yourself enough to settle for nothing less than that.
2. Undivided Attention
Gentlemen, are you ready for a mind blowing statement? The most desired gift is not chocolate or diamonds rather it’s a nine letter word. Attention. Attention is said to be the rarest and purest form of generosity and I wouldn't argue that for one second. Giving someone your undivided attention means that you care enough about them to shut out whatever else is going on around you. Do the unthinkable: put down your phone and solely focus on the current conversation - you might be shocked at what you notice when not checking emails while your boyfriend is telling you about his day.
3. Loyalty
Loyalty is not grey, it is black and white. You are either loyal day in and day out or not loyal at all. Loyalty doesn’t cost a damn thing and should never be given a discount. If you are in a relationship with someone, intimately or friendly, who stabs you in the back only to ask why you are bleeding it’s time to pick up your belongings and walk out the door.
4. Time
Want to know another secret? Everyone is busy. We are all balancing emails and bills and work and passion projects and traveling and friends and a social life and alone time and this and that but guess what? That is no excuse to let your relationship slide down the drain. Make the time. Let me repeat myself; make the time. Make the time to send a cute text message while you’re running from one meeting to another. Pencil in down time with your partner because there’s no other place you’d rather be. Take the time to tell them how much you love them because tomorrow is not promised. It’s simple: give someone your time because it shows how much you value them.
I challenge you to fill your piggy bank with all the things that will make you feel like a millionaire at heart.
