Seems like the numbers here are swelling, it's noticeable even in the few months that I've been here. There is lots to read and study on the sidebar and top posts. One thing that should be read by everybody is a wonderful series of posts written by /u/OccamsUsername regarding Game in LTR. They were published in TRP about a year ago. I'm sure many vets have read these, but many newer faces haven't. We could spend hours reading and discussing these.

Application: In my relationship, I've recognized that on a time interval the "score" of my fulfillment of the Alpha male/leader role is always resetting to zero. This happens every year, every month, every week, every day, every hour, and sometimes multiple times within the hour.

I took my family on a surprise vacation last week. Handled every detail. Had family activities planned, got a large suite to stay in, we had an excellent time. That gave me some credibility with the family and wife, but it isn't everlasting. Even during that 2-day trip my frame was tested. There was no downtime, I had to lead the entire time.

My providing that last week earns me no downtime this week. What I did yesterday does not satiate my family's need for leadership today.

Analogy: Every year on Thanksgiving I pack the food in. I'll eat until I'm full and probably a bit more. There comes a moment when I push away from the table because I'm finished. The sight of food does not interest me. Time to throw the football with my son, or watch some football. But what do you know? 1-2 hours later the pie starts looking good. Or I find myself being able to eat some more turkey. The food I previously ate doesn't carry me over into the next week or even the next day. Our leadership is the same. It is a constant endeavor. Game must be applied.

Link: Everybody should read this eight-part series. The first one is on maintaining frame: LTR Game