You read the title correctly. I heard this old saw from a femninized client last week at a large dinner. A young colleague of his had recently popped the question to his princess. The young guy was set up with his bride by his mother--- Roses and candles were certainly involved in the proposal.

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"Congratulations XXXX, remember that successful relationships require a lot of work"

Now, I'll translate what this size 40 underwear wearing nitwit really meant

"Thank goodness more young men are validating my shitty decision to marry. I don't want to envision a scenario where I needlessly gave away all my power so ill double down and remind this turd to communicate, work at pleasing her, and accept these very empty words as some sort of reward for breaking into prison"

.

I nodded my head and ordered a round of drinks.

Remember, Think as you like, but act like others

This is what I was really thinking and have learned, applied, and use as my North Star every day:

Relationships do require work. But the target of your efforts is yourself. Not some bitch.

Work hard and crush it at work. Run circles around your competition and make important allies by becoming indispensable.

Destroy your body in the gym and with fasting until you are very very hawt. Buy nice clothes and tailor them to your physique.

Take no shit from anyone but never let them know you are disrespectful. Just learn to make others seek your approval rather than the other way around.

Work on YOU and watch your relationships melt into the exact mold you always wanted.