Free Relationship Advice

High Maintenance Relationships

Relationships come in all varieties—some take a little effort to maintain, and some take a whole lot.  If you’re in a relationship like the latter, and want to stick it out regardless, learning to treat your romantic relationship like a business one (where you, of course, are the boss) is the key to its—and your—survival.

First, provide your guy with very specific instructions for when he can come to you and when he can’t. Tell him that you’ll always be there for him, but that calling you while you’re at work or out with the girls is simply not an option.

Second, pick your battles. Not every little thing that happens between the two of you is worth fighting over, and if he can’t stop himself from going at it, you’re going to have to. As with all good employers, you need to be the calming influence, and set the example for how not to engage in destructive behavior.

And lastly, reward him with bonus. Every good employee deserves a special “treat” for good behavior. If he sticks to the stipulations above, give him something you know he’s gonna love. You’ll find that a little positive reinforcement can go a long way!