🎈 My Relationship Commitments
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Joymaker /joi/ the fun leader admired for uplifting everyone they meet
What kind of behaviors and attitudes do I want to bring into my closest relationships? After some reflection, I put together this list.
You could call it my personal guide to happy relationships—the opposite of living on autopilot. Great relationships don’t just happen. They take intention, effort, and care. But the return is worth it—nothing pays back more than love, trust, and connection.
We all know people who are wealthy in money yet poor in companionship. True richness comes from relationships. These 10 principles are my compass for building emotional wealth.
Let’s dive in.
Embracing Imperfection
I accept your flaws as part of our shared humanity. I embrace mistakes and celebrate the lessons along the way.
Core behaviors:
I reassure you that your imperfections don’t make me value you less.
I share my own mistakes openly, so you feel safe doing the same.
I help us laugh at life’s messiness instead of hiding it.
Mutual Coaching
I teach, learn from, and challenge you with honest feedback and compassionate guidance, inspiring growth and shared evolution.
Core behaviors:
I ask for feedback and listen without defensiveness.
I offer guidance with kindness, not criticism.
I encourage you to chase your goals and remind you of your strengths.
Creating Experiences
I design shared moments of joy, connection, and adventure with you, instead of relying on passive entertainment.
Core behaviors:
I suggest activities that bring us closer instead of isolating us.
I prioritize making memories with you over material things.
I stay open to spontaneity when new opportunities arise.
Practicing Gratitude
I honor and express love for your authentic self through appreciation, affection, and admiration.
Core behaviors:
I regularly tell you what I like about you.
I show affection in the way you best receive it.
I celebrate your small and big wins with enthusiasm.
Giving Positive Presence
In a distracted world, I give you the rare treasure of my undivided attention—and not just attention, but enthusiasm.
Core behaviors:
I put my phone away when we’re together.
I listen deeply without rushing you.
I greet you with warmth, energy, and genuine interest.
Cultivating Vitality
I nurture health, energy, and natural beauty by supporting your well-being and health habits.
Core behaviors:
I encourage healthy habits we can enjoy together.
I remind you to rest when you push yourself too hard.
I bring joy and energy into our daily routines.
Accumulating Emotional Wealth
I measure wealth not in possessions, but in the depth of emotions, meaningful experiences, and mindful choices we share.
Core behaviors:
I choose quality time with you over material distractions.
I focus on creating meaningful conversations and experiences.
I remind us to savor the present instead of rushing to the next thing.
Encouraging Autonomy
I cheer on your independence and personal growth, knowing that strong individuals make a strong relationship.
Core behaviors:
I support you in pursuing your passions without guilt.
I respect your boundaries and need for space.
I celebrate your growth, even when it takes you in new directions.
Being Unpretentiously Playful
I embrace fun, silliness, and goofiness with you, finding delight in spontaneous laughter and playful moments—anywhere, anytime.
Core behaviors:
I don’t take myself too seriously around you.
I join in your silliness instead of judging it.
I create opportunities for us to laugh and play together.
Taking Responsibility
I am willing to admit my faults, never too proud to apologize, forgive, or begin again.
Core behaviors:
I apologize promptly when I’ve hurt you.
I forgive you without holding grudges.
I take initiative to repair and restore trust when things break down.
I hope my friends read this and hold me accountable.
— Jacques
nice! an excellent check-list, i say