MADEXXX
I interviewed couples in
successful relationships and
asked them to share what they
wish they had known about their
significant other (SO) and what
they think you should know too
before you take that walk down
the aisle. Let’s get started.
1
Does your partner
display empathy for
others and you?
There are the basics you
should know about your
SO before taking the plunge, but
there are also some of the not-
so-obvious things, which is why
this is a good question.
How your partner interacts
and communicates with others
around them will eventually be
the same way that they interact
with you. Observing how they
treat waitstaff at restaurants,
how they handle a disagreement
with a stranger, and their regular
day-to-day interactions will give
you a lot of insight into them as
an individual.
Are they kind? Do they try to
help others? Are they sensitive
to the needs and well-being of
those around them?
My favorite is when I hear
someone say, “Yes, they are
difficult and moody with others,
but they are not the same way
towards me.” And when I circle
back to this person to see if
things have changed, guess
what behavioral traits surface
in their relationship? The same
ones which they observed their
partner exhibits with others. If
someone lacks empathy in their
interactions, it is only a matter of
time before it manifests itself in
your relationship with them.
2
How do you handle
stress or something
that really
frustrates you?
I often advise my
clients that you need to allow
your relationship time. It means
observation of your SO in every
season, situation, and scenario.
INNOVATION ISSUE
33