TL;DR; See Summary

CAVEAT; This is geared more towards HARDMODE but if it applies; you're welcome.

YOUR ATWA

Your ability to walk away(ATWA) is the ultimate and ONLY leverage that counts. Murder someone? Flee the country. Got a stranger pregnant? Child Support might be your new friend. I'll preface this by stating; I was born into ownership. NOT money. Ownership. I've never had to worry about my ATWA because regardless of situation(bar incarceration); my ATWA is untouchable. No one can take it from me. That said I'll break it down field report style for you handsome gentlemen.

FIELD REPORT

My current and I have been kicking it for about 6 years. We have a toddler together. In June after post-birthing issues I gave her an ultimatum because our sex life had gone through the sewers(fathers will understand). She's improved but we're not fucking on our balcony or in the kitchen again so there's still room from improvement. Since June(January in some cases) I've taken steps to ameliorate my ATWA. These include my; physical, fiscal and psychological freedom.

PHYSICAL

Anything and everything that could impact your physical self. Incarceration. Retaliation. Shit even IBS. ANYTHING. For those of you that are just dating, fucking and enjoying the bounty of youth this isn't as relevant(unless you get a stranger pregnant). I've always been a planner(bar the 2 fuck trophies I have strolling the face of the earth) so I THINK about things. How things affect me. If I hit this cunt where his boys at? Where are mine? What's my accountant going to say? When you're sticking your penis in a woman, or thinking about it; think to yourself; what if? Future-proofing has never disappointed me. You could benefit too.

FISCAL

NO SHARED FINANCES. EVER. I've probably harped on about it too much but after my first separation; I'd NEVER SHARE again. I was just lucky we were both too young for her to take advantage. ATM my current and I share a rental. She however is hinting at looking to buy. I've never said no to an investment but my response to her has always been; "you buy babe; if that's what YOU want." I've owned enough to know that if you make any sort of fiscal obligation/promise; YOU'LL PAY. If that's good with you; then all Gucci. If not; DON'T EVER EXPOSE YOURSELF FISCALLY. NO SHARED FINANCES. NO SHARED ACCOUNTS. TITLES. Anything. Why? Guess who pays.

PSYCHOLOCICAL

This is the most subjective. Emotion. Mindset. World view. A lot goes on in that football sized muscle of yours. That's good. What's not? Allowing emotional thought to dictate RATIONAL ACTION.

Since January I've reconnected with one of my exes online. She's on the other side of the planet currently but I've queued her up that if I leave the current; she'll be on the first flight here to pick things; and me; right back up. Why? We have common goals. What's more important is psychologically; if after 6 years of no contact; no physical and minimal investment on my part I can get this girl to drop everything for me; I'll be fine. It's HUGE to be able to wield that sort of influence. That power.

That divulged I've rarely let little head dictate what big head does. When I did? I became a father. What I'd suggest is to constantly self actualise. Consider your emotions. Consider the consequences. The benefits. Then decide. Instinct is a great indicator when gauging situations; social or otherwise. Couple that with knowledge; and informed decisions can only help you. Grow. Learn. Then become the man you aspire to be.

SUMMARY

Your ULTIMATE power in ANY relationship lies in your ATWA. WORK. SEX. WIVES. FAMILY. In any circumstance; relationship or scenario; NEVER SACRIFICE YOUR ABILITY TO WALK AWAY FOR ANYONE.

As always hoping for invigorating discourse to stimulate discussion about YOUR ATWA. Hopefully; I'll find something I can add to mine.

Godspeed and good luck!