Seasonal Lover Reviews

I find there are so many parallels between work/career and romantic relationships I have kind of synthesized a new belief about reviews.

Both employer and employee value their relationships enough to agree that performance reviews are important. Why- when most people see love relationships as (at least to a lot of people) more important than a job, why do we not have periodic relationship reviews?

I think quarterly reviews would be best. Once or twice a year is way too long to go without a serious check-in on how both parties feel in the relationship. The main thing about this idea is- you really are allowed to decide at this point the relationship is not going to work out-- so going into a 'relationship review', much like a performance review at a job, can sometimes have life-changing results. Reviews are serious and both parties would have to agree to the results- meaning you have to be prepared for both an excellent or a poor review. Someone may be put on a 'performance review' plan, in which if specific issues are not worked upon and actual major results are achieved... well... we might just have to 'let you go'. Thing is- without being held accountable, an employee's performance can go downhill. Same with a relationship. You have to be reminded that you have a responsibility. Many responsibilities. Responsibilities such as these:

• Pay attention to your surroundings and make an effort in the relationship.
  
  
• Take care of your health- both physical and mental.
  
  
• Improve yourself in some appreciable way (classes, social events, hobbies, spirituality)
  
  
• Think of sex as not just an enjoyable activity, but a serious bonding experience that is essential to the health of your relationship.
  
  
• Be present and realize your attitude affects your partner. Be the best person you can be and expect the same from them.

So, if a person really followed these guidelines they would not fear the 'relationship review'. There should be no surprises-- just a confirmation of your perception of the past 'quarter'. I think it would be appropriate to have these 'reviews' at the change of seasons. Set up appointments on the Solstice and Equinox dates and confirm that you and your partner are on equal and healthy footing Spring, Summer, Winter and Fall.

Think about it-- if you took your relationship as seriously as your job wouldn't there be a lot fewer surprises? You probably wouldn't have nearly as many incidents where you bopped onto the job site to discover your 'employer' had hired someone else to 'fill your position'.

Here's wishing everyone long and happy 'careers' together.