Expanding The Horizons

Expectations

December 5th, 2024

Have you ever stumbled across something so absurdly perfect that it made you laugh out loud? Well, meet Exhibit A: this tree. A coconut-palm-banana-jackfruit hybrid masterpiece, this marvel of nature looks like it rolled out of the dreams of someone who took the phrase “why have less when you can have it all” a bit too literally.

The tree is a hilarious metaphor for life. It’s everything we expect life to be: a limitless buffet of success, prosperity, and happiness. Look at it! Bananas for your health goals, coconuts to quench your thirst for exotic vacations, and a massive jackfruit symbolizing that one giant dream you’re sure will make you “complete” (or at least make Aunties at weddings stop asking when you’ll achieve “something meaningful”).

But then comes reality, and oh boy, does it hit hard. Let’s break it down:

1. The Bananas of Hope

Ah, bananas—reliable, sweet, and perfect for Instagram fitness posts. But in life? These bananas are that early-career confidence where you think, “I’m destined for greatness.” Yet, much like when you try to store bananas for too long, things quickly start to rot. Promotions? Delayed. Side hustle? A side flop. Suddenly, the bananas aren’t golden anymore—they’re black, squishy, and attracting metaphorical flies called “EMIs.”

2. The Coconuts of Endless Possibilities

Coconuts represent those daydreams about the “perfect” life: sipping fresh coconut water on a beach while your passive income rolls in. Except, just like real coconuts, life makes you WORK HARD to crack it open. Instead of paradise, you’re stuck wrestling with Excel sheets and wondering why your boss emailed you at 2 a.m. Meanwhile, your vacation fund has evaporated faster than the water in said coconuts.

3. The Jackfruit of Lofty Ambitions

Now let’s talk about the jackfruit. That giant, spiky symbol of our wildest, most audacious dreams. It’s the career-changing startup idea, the dream house, the six-pack abs. But here’s the thing about jackfruit: it looks cool from afar but is insanely hard to deal with up close. Sticky, smelly, and requires the patience of a saint to enjoy—yep, that’s your mid-life crisis summed up.

4. Reality Check: The Missing Fruits

And of course, you’re left wondering—where are the mangoes? Isn’t life supposed to be sweet and juicy? Well, spoiler alert: the mango tree is two blocks over, and it belongs to your neighbor who just bought a Tesla.

The funniest part of this tree is how it reflects our belief that life will give us everything all at once, all perfectly ripe and ready. In reality, though, it’s more like an awkward salad: some sour, some sweet, and a lot of random bitterness thrown in for good measure.

So, what’s the takeaway here? Life’s a tree—but not this overachieving mutant. Most of us are just out here with our scraggly little saplings, praying for one ripe fruit that isn’t snatched away by squirrels (aka rent, inflation, and bad luck). And that’s okay! Embrace the chaos, laugh at the absurdity, and enjoy whatever falls from your tree—even if it’s just a bruised banana.

After all, even a quirky tree like this one is a reminder: life might not give you what you want, but it sure gives you one heck of a story!

Later Alligator.

Jd
Toddler Vs Monsters

November 11th, 2024

AI generated Image

In the stillness of night, a sacred ritual unfolds in our home. My toddler, wrapped in his own cocoon of innocence, finds his way to my shoulder, clutching his beloved elephant and a soft blanket. His big, trusting eyes look up at me, and he whispers a simple request: to hear his favorite bhajans before sleep. It’s a nightly habit, but more than that, it’s a moment of quiet validation—a reminder that, in his world, I am his protector, his comfort, his hero.

Recently, I created an image capturing this small yet monumental moment. In the picture, my son stands with a heroic stance, facing down an army of slightly creepy, imaginative monsters. He holds his elephant by the tail and his blanket like a shield, ready to face whatever the night may bring. There’s a kind of courage in him, however playful and dreamlike, and as a parent, I see that courage every night when he trusts me to keep him safe in the face of his own dreams.

It’s easy to overlook these small gestures. In the busyness of parenthood, we’re often focused on providing, protecting, and preparing for our child’s future. Yet, it’s moments like these—when he places his faith in me, seeking comfort in a song, snuggled close—that I feel an unspoken affirmation. Parenting can be filled with uncertainties, questions of whether we’re doing things “right.” But in these tender rituals, my son offers his own validation, silently telling me I’m his source of warmth, security, and stability.

Each night, as I sing his favorite bhajans, I feel a deep sense of purpose. I’m not just singing to lull him to sleep; I’m helping him build a world where he feels safe and cherished, a world where his imagination can run free. Those bhajans become more than melodies—they’re a nightly anthem of connection, grounding both of us in the present moment.

As he drifts to sleep, I wonder what monsters he might face in his dreams and how I can be there to help him through them as he grows. One day, he may face the challenges of the world on his own, but for now, I am his ally against all things real or imagined. The beauty of this simple act, of being his safe place, reminds me that validation doesn’t always come from grand gestures. Often, it’s found in these small, repetitive rituals that slowly build the foundation of trust and love.

I’m grateful for these moments when my son holds on to me, asking for a lullaby to calm his mind. It’s a nightly reminder that my role, though at times unseen, is profoundly meaningful. He may be the one holding his toy elephant like a warrior, but through his need for me, he’s also gifting me a validation that’s both humbling and profound.

In his eyes, I am more than just a parent. I am his comfort, his warmth, his hero—ready to battle any monsters, real or imagined, that might come his way. And as long as he holds onto that belief, I am validated in the best way I could ever hope for.

Jd
Expectation Olympics

September 28th, 2024

Hi!

In every Indian family, there’s an invisible rulebook that no one gives you but somehow expects you to follow religiously. These cultural norms aren’t written down anywhere, yet they govern everything from how much food you should eat to how many gifts you should give. It’s like you’re constantly participating in a family Olympics where everyone else already knows the rules. So, let’s take a lighthearted look at some classic cultural expectations that are bound to leave you both puzzled and amused.

1. “Arey Beta, Thoda Aur Lo” – The National Anthem of Family Meals

You’ve just finished your second plate of poori and sabzi, feeling like you’ve eaten enough to feed a small village. But the moment you lean back and say “Bas, ho gaya,” your aunt gives you a look like you’ve just committed a sin. Enter the most common phrase in Indian households: “Arre beta, thoda aur lo!”

Refusing food is practically forbidden. You say “no” three times, but on the fourth time, the food magically appears on your plate anyway. There’s no escape. And don’t even think about saying you’re on a diet—because the next thing you know, your plate will be filled with extra ghee and love.

2. व्यवहार – The Mandatory Gift Exchange Ritual

Let’s talk about व्यवहार, that unsaid rule when a married daughter and her husband visit the parents’ house. It’s almost like a hidden clause in the Indian Family Contract. Whether it’s a mithai ka dabba, cash, or sarees, something must change hands. And it doesn’t matter if the son-in-law politely protests; there’s always that one aunt or uncle who sneaks an envelope into his pocket.

Of course, the son-in-law’s refusal is part of the dance. “Nahi, nahi, yeh toh bahut zyada hai!” he says, while graciously accepting. This ritual is as much about maintaining family bonds as it is about creating the perfect setting for post-visit gossip.

3. The Never-Ending “Shaadi Kab Hai?” Question

Every family gathering has a mission: finding out when you’re getting married. You could be 22 and just starting your career, but that doesn’t stop the relentless stream of questions: “Aur beta, shaadi kab kar rahe ho?”

If you’re already married, don’t think you’re safe. The next barrage will be about babies. And if you have one kid, they’ll ask when the second one is coming. It’s like an endless relay race where the baton is passed from one life event to the next. You’re never allowed to just… chill.

4. Touching Feet: A Full-Body Workout in Disguise

You think you’re fit? Try surviving a family function where you’re expected to touch the feet of every elder present. It’s not just a gesture of respect—it’s an impromptu workout. You bend, they bless, and you smile. Repeat this 10 times and you’ll realize that gym memberships are overrated.

The best part? Half the elders don’t even recognize you. “Kaun hai yeh?” they’ll ask your parents, and you’ll just nod along, grateful that the ritual is at least keeping you in shape.

5. The Wedding Gift Tug-of-War

Attending a wedding isn’t just about celebrating love—it’s also about navigating the delicate art of gift-giving. You give too much, and the recipients will feel awkward. Give too little, and you’ve just triggered a family scandal. Wedding gifts are tracked with the precision of a finance report, and trust me, people remember.

“Aree, humne toh unke bete ki shaadi mein ₹5,001 diya tha, lekin unhone humare yaha sirf ₹4,501 diya!” This one-sided economic downturn will be discussed at family gatherings for years to come.

6. Festival Fashion: Getting the Colors Just Right

Festivals in India come with an unspoken dress code, and heaven help you if you don’t get it right. Show up at Holi in the wrong shade of white or forget to wear the traditional yellow on Vasant Panchami, and suddenly everyone’s looking at you like you’ve upset the balance of the universe.

And of course, there’s that one relative who will always remind you that black is inauspicious. If you forgot this fact and dared to wear a black kurta, brace yourself for whispers about how you’ve single-handedly jinxed the entire festival.

7. Unsolicited Health Advice: The Lifelong Battle

No Indian family function is complete without someone commenting on your weight. If you’ve lost a few kilos, you’ll hear, “Beta, kuch khaya karo.” If you’ve put on a little weight, it’s, “Beta, thoda sambhal ke khao.” The irony, of course, is that this advice is often dished out while the aunt or uncle in question is devouring their third plate of samosas.

It’s a lifelong battle. No matter how hard you try to look your best, there will always be someone reminding you that you could do better. Welcome to the world of perpetual body commentary.

8. RSVPs Mean Nothing in Indian Weddings

Weddings in India are an event of epic proportions, where the number of guests always exceeds expectations. You send out 200 invitations, but somehow 400 people show up. There’s always an army of distant relatives you’ve never heard of, but who make their grand appearance like VIPs at the red carpet.

And let’s not forget the food. You start with some chaat and pani puri, but by the time you’ve reached the biryani and gulab jamun, you’ve entered into a food coma. But no, you’re not done yet—because declining food at a wedding is a crime worse than missing the bride and groom’s first dance.

Conclusion:

Cultural expectations in Indian families are like the invisible threads that hold everything together. Sure, they can be confusing, sometimes exhausting, and occasionally hilarious. But at the end of the day, they’re what make family life so unique and memorable. So the next time you find yourself in the thick of it, just remember to smile, say “no” four times before accepting that extra paratha, and enjoy the ride—because this is what family is all about.

Fir milenge. Tab tak ke liye bye bye doston!

Jd
Retrofix

September 22nd, 2024

Internet se uthaya hai

Imagine this: You’re sitting at your desk, sipping coffee, scrolling through your regrets — I mean, your memories. Maybe you shouldn’t have eaten that suspicious Chaap in 2016. Maybe you shouldn’t have taken up that “one-size-fits-all” parachute deal. Or, perhaps, just perhaps, you should have passed on texting your ex at 2 a.m. after that 4th beer. (we’ve all been there).

What if you could signal your past self to avoid these catastrophes? And not in some heavy, dramatic “time-travel-gone-wrong” sci-fi way, but with a casual, “Hey, past me, maybe skip that third slice of cake, yeah?”

Welcome to the wacky world of parallel Earths—where every bad decision you’ve ever made can be neatly avoided. But here’s the kicker: you don’t get to benefit from the good decision. Nope. That privilege goes to your alternate self, living in some other reality, laughing at how they totally dodged the cringe moments you’re still haunted by. Nice.

So, how does it work, you ask? Let me paint a picture of what it’s like to send messages across timelines.

1. Step One: Admit You Screwed Up (Again)

You wake up at 3 a.m. in a cold sweat, remembering how you thought investing in crypto dog-themed coins was a “genius” move. You realize your alternate self could be right now on the verge of making that same, glorious financial nose-dive. It’s time to help a parallel brother out. Fire up the Time Message App (because obviously that exists in this universe), and type out, “Dear Past Me: No, buying Doge 2.0 won’t make you a millionaire. Trust me.”

Send. Now go back to scrolling through Zillow listings of houses you won’t be buying.

2. Step Two: The Art of the Perfect Warning

Now, here’s the thing about warning your past self: You’ve got to be subtle. After all, you’re dealing with someone who thought wearing socks with sandals was perfectly acceptable once. You can’t just scream, “DON’T DO IT” or your past self will definitely do it out of sheer spite. You have to be smooth.

Let’s say you’re about to warn 2010-you about that shady job offer you got from “CryptoSolutions Unlimited.” Instead of “Run away, fast,” you message, “Hey, maybe ask them what they actually do for a living before signing anything.” See? Classy.

3. Step Three: Laugh as Alternate-You Thrives

You’ve done it. You’ve sent the warning, and alternate-you has avoided disaster. Naturally, their life now becomes perfect. That past taco decision? They skipped it and never spent the night regretting it on the bathroom floor. They didn’t blow all their savings on NFT art of cartoon penguins, and now they’re probably relaxing on a beach somewhere, sipping piña coladas while you’re sitting at home googling “how to sell penguin NFTs for rent money.”

The upside? While they’re busy being fabulous, you get the pleasure of knowing that some version of you has figured it all out. The downside? This isn’t your reality. This is still the one where you thought bangs were a good idea.

4. Step Four: Handle the Unintended Consequences

There’s a catch, of course. Altering decisions in the past could have ripple effects—especially in parallel universes. So, while alternate-you is living their best life, their universe might be dealing with some unintended side effects.

Maybe your parallel self avoided eating that cake at a party, only to end up in an awkward conversation with a stranger that spiraled into a job offer in clown college. Now they’re a world-famous clown with a deep existential crisis.

Or worse: you warned them not to date that one person, and now that person ends up becoming a villain in their universe. Oops. That’s on you, buddy.

5. Step Five: Resist the Urge to Overdo It

The temptation to go full-on life-coach for your past self is strong. You start thinking: “What if I tell them to start working out earlier? What if I tell them to avoid watching Cats the movie?” Before you know it, you’re bombarding them with daily messages.

But here’s the deal: nobody likes a micromanager—not even your alternate self. So, chill out. Let them make a few bad decisions of their own. After all, where’s the fun in life if you can’t make mistakes and laugh about them later? Plus, maybe they’ll send you a message one day: “Dude, lay off the advice. I’m just trying to vibe.”

The Final Thought: Embrace the Chaos

So, is signaling your past self in a parallel Earth a foolproof way to fix your life? Nah. But it’s fun to imagine, isn’t it? Mistakes are part of what make us, well, us. They’re why we have good stories, questionable tattoos, and random trivia knowledge that nobody else cares about.

Sure, maybe some version of you somewhere else has everything figured out, but here’s the truth: This version of you? The one reading this right now? You’re doing just fine. Even with the bad decisions, weird haircuts, and questionable investment choices.

Because at the end of the day, if parallel universes exist, we’re all just making it up as we go—one plate masala chaap at a time.

And who knows? Maybe your alternate self is sending you a message right now. Maybe they’re saying, “Hey, you turned out okay. Don’t stress. And P.S., avoid ordering that masala chaap l”

Later

Jd
Tan-Tana-Tan-Tan-Tan-Tara

September 10th, 2024

Taken Today

Well, hello there! How are you doing? Have you been to London to see the Queen? Because if you have, I’m sure her corgis are probably happier than I am right now. I’ve been stuck in this feeling—you know, the one where you’re trying to convince yourself everything’s fine while simultaneously Googling “how to get a fresh start in life” like it’s a new salad recipe?

Lately, I’ve been feeling like one of those abandoned shopping carts at the back of a parking lot. You know, the ones that nobody bothers to return but everyone silently judges. Yep, that’s me! You see, I’ve been sad. And not just the I’ve-spilled-my-coffee sad—I’m talking about the deep kind, the one that makes you feel like you’ve let down every person who ever loved you, including that kid who waved at you from a school bus once.

Somewhere along the way, the vibrant connection I had with the people I care about has poof disappeared, like my enthusiasm after the third day of a new diet. It’s like we were this perfectly synced group, and now I’m the WiFi signal they forget to reset. And, just when I thought I was spending quality time with friends and family, guess what? I overheard them talking behind my back. Yes, I did the thing you’re not supposed to do—eavesdropped on a conversation that was clearly not meant for my ears. But in my defense, what am I supposed to do with all these unresolved trust issues? Go to therapy? Probably, but instead, I’m writing this blog.

Isn’t it just wonderful? You think you’re having a good time, and suddenly you hear, “Oh, did you hear about so-and-so? They’re really just not as fun anymore.” Cue the internal screaming. And just like that, you start questioning everything from your personality to your hairstyle. But hey, what’s life without a little self-sabotage, right?

Now, I’ve been through a lot of things, but I never thought I’d miss feeling like myself the most. And let’s be honest: that’s the real kicker. Of all the things in life—good food, sunny vacations, Netflix binges—what you really miss the most is you. The you that didn’t overthink every glance, comment, or meme. The you that didn’t feel like a ghost at your own party.

But life has its funny ways, doesn’t it? Even in the sad moments, I find humor creeping in like that awkward friend who shows up at the wrong time. You can either laugh at it, cry about it, or do both at the same time. I highly recommend the third option—it’s great for multitasking.

So here I am, lost somewhere between feeling nostalgic for my old self and making a mental note to buy a pack of corgi-shaped cookies the next time I’m at the store. Maybe I’ll even visit London one day. Who knows, I might run into the Queen. And if she asks, I’ll tell her the truth: “Ma’am, I’m just trying to feel like myself again.”

And she’ll probably say, “Aren’t we all?”

Bye.

Jd

P.S. Who is queen now?
The Anti-Climactic Submission Saga: No Ferrari, No Mug, Just Me

August 13th, 2024

Yesterday, I submitted my dissertation, marking the triumphant end of my LLM journey. As I pressed that submit button, my heart thumped so hard I thought it might leap out, then, just as suddenly, it plummeted into the abyss of nothingness. What followed was not the grand, life-altering moment I had envisioned. Nope, no fireworks, no confetti. Just… nothing.

You see, I had built up this moment in my head—one hand gripping a steaming coffee mug, the other deftly steering a Ferrari down some scenic highway. This, I had decided, was what success felt like. But as the dust settled, my Ferrari dreams spiraled into the wind, leaving me with the uncomfortable realization that the only steering I’d be doing was on a two-wheeler… if I’m lucky.

I blame this on all the melodrama we’re fed daily—those grand depictions of success that we don’t even like anymore (not that we ever did, but you get the point). They’re just distractions, really. A way to keep us from noticing the mundane reality that comes with achieving something significant.

And let’s be honest—steering anything with a coffee mug in hand is a bad idea. Whoever came up with that trope clearly hasn’t experienced the trauma of coffee spillage at high speeds.

So here I am, post-dissertation, no Ferrari in sight, but at least my coffee is safe. It’s a funny kind of anti-climax, but it’s mine, and that’s okay. Now, I just need to figure out what to do with all this free time… maybe I’ll finally watch one of those melodramatic shows again—just to remind myself why I don’t like them anymore.

Later.

Jd
Upside Down

June 20th, 2024

Fellas!
Have you guys also been fixing chappals when they are upside down, or is it just me? Ancient wisdom says if your chappal is upside down, there are not only chances but a sure fight at home. We must be thankful to the heads of state for not leaving their chappals upside down, and we must also check Zelenskyy’s and Putin’s.

Also, what happens when you are on the road and a black cat crosses your path, but you left home after eating dahi? Do these events cancel each other out?

And why is Eleven fixing the Upside Down and not her chappals?

I wonder if we rub two upside-down chappals together, can we open the door to Narnia?

These are some questions you may find answers to, but to woman? Never. Those are some real enigma of the mystical.

Jd Exits

PS – do-do-do-do-do-do-do-do-do-do-do-do-do-do-do-do!

PPS- Prompt given to generate this AI image is subject to market risk.
Mundane Monday

June 10th, 2024

All Credits To Original Maker

Mondays, the universally dreaded day of the week, often come with a lingering fatigue from the weekend and a fleeting promise to take things easy. This Monday was no different. As I stumbled out of bed, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep, I made a mental note to keep things simple. Little did I know, the universe had other plans.

By midday, I was greeted not by a mundane workday, but by a virus. It crept up on me stealthily, taking my heavy meat suit down with it. My nose was blocked, my throat felt choked, and a heavy fever set in, making every movement a struggle. As I lay in bed, overwhelmed by the symptoms, a question loomed large in my mind: “What have I done to deserve this?”

This moment of self-reflection reminded me of an episode of “How I Met Your Mother” (HIMYM) where Marshall asks Ranjit when he could be crazy. Ranjit, with his usual wisdom, responds in the negative, emphasizing that sometimes, things just happen without any grand reason or fault.

As I lay there, under layers of blankets, it became clear that this virus was just one of those random occurrences. There was no grand scheme or cosmic punishment; it was simply my turn to face the common plight of humanity—getting sick.

In a world where we often seek meaning in every event, it’s sometimes comforting to accept that not everything is within our control. Illnesses come and go, often without rhyme or reason. What truly matters is how we respond. Instead of dwelling on the why, we should focus on recovery and self-care.

So, as I sip on warm tea and allow myself the rest I need, I embrace the simplicity of this realization. This virus, though unwelcome, is a reminder to slow down, to listen to my body, and to take life one day at a time. And perhaps, next Monday, the universe will greet me with something kinder than a blocked nose and a heavy fever.

Later.

Jd
Heatwaves

May 21st, 2024

Today, I witnessed melting situations at Greater Noida District Court. The campus is huge, with multiple buildings. In the main building, the Session’s Judge sits on the ground floor, while the magistrate and civil judge are on the first floor.

It was a boiling hot day, and the courtroom felt more like an oven than a place of justice. Everyone was sweating buckets. The only thing moving faster than the advocates’ arguments was the sweat dripping from their faces.

Enter: The Fan Club.

The ground floor had air conditioning in the Session’s Court, making it a cool refuge for advocates without listed cases. They lounged comfortably, enjoying the cool air, while their colleagues on the first floor battled the heat. Upstairs, under the ceiling fans, things were both comical and chaotic.

Advocates crowded around the fans, all trying to argue their cases without losing their cool (literally). It was hilarious: a bunch of black-coated lawyers jostling for position in front of the fans. One advocate, standing directly in front of the fan, was mid-sentence when his voice took on a funny warble due to the wind. Another advocate, trying to interrupt, leaned into the fan’s path, only to have his papers fly out of his hands and scatter across the room.

The judge on the first floor, sitting at his high bench, couldn’t help but smile. His usually stern face softened as he watched the parade of sweaty lawyers. “Counselor, if you could step aside for a moment, others would also like to feel the breeze,” he remarked, his voice tinged with amusement.

But the advocates were undeterred. They took turns arguing their cases while basking in the fan’s cooling breeze. The litigants, meanwhile, fanned themselves with files and papers, clearly enjoying the unexpected show.

As the session on the first floor ended, advocates made their way back to the ground floor. The transition was almost ceremonial. Emerging from the heat, they descended the stairs and stepped into the blissfully cool Session’s Court, where the air conditioning was a welcome relief. They paused for a moment, letting the cool air wash over them, before heading back to their chambers with smiles on their faces.

This hilarious day in court will undoubtedly be remembered as the day the advocates of Greater Noida formed their very own “Fan Club”—a day when justice was served with a side of laughter and a much-needed breeze. It was a day when the usual tension of the courtroom gave way to a lighthearted camaraderie, proving that sometimes, even in the most serious of places, a little humor can make a big difference.

Bonus Scene: The Pool Proposal

In one sweltering courtroom, everyone was visibly uncomfortable. The judge fanned himself with a stack of papers, the litigants used their hats and notepads as makeshift fans, and the advocate, in his black coat, was sweating profusely.

Midway through a particularly heated argument, the advocate wiped his brow and grinned. “Your Honor, I propose we move this session to the water park. I’m sure we’ll all make more rational decisions when we’re not on the verge of melting”

The courtroom erupted in laughter. The judge raised an eyebrow, trying to maintain his composure but ultimately cracking a smile. “Counselor, while your suggestion is… imaginative, I’m afraid we must carry on here.”

As the laughter subsided, the tension in the room eased. The advocate’s lighthearted comment had provided a much-needed moment of levity, making the unbearable heat a little more bearable.

True Story?
Out of Love?

May 10th, 2024

Picture this: Falling in love is as easy as tripping over your own feet—totally accidental and pretty hilarious when you think about it. At first, everything about your partner seems perfect. You can’t wait to get their texts, and every little thing they do seems cute—even when they snore like a bear!

But give it a few months or years. That snore? Not so cute anymore. Now it’s more like a chainsaw starting up right next to you at 5 AM. Suddenly, you start wondering, “Am I with the right person?”

Here’s the funny thing about relationships: they’re not about finding the perfect person. They’re about sticking with the person you picked, even when the going gets tough. Think about it like your favorite old T-shirt. Sure, it might have some holes and doesn’t look as sharp as it used to, but it’s comfortable, and it feels like home.

When things get routine, and the excitement fades, that’s not a sign to bolt. It’s a cue to get creative. Because keeping the love alive isn’t something that just happens. It’s something you work at, like getting better at a video game or learning to cook without burning the kitchen down.

Loving someone long-term is more about what you do than what you feel. It’s like choosing to have pizza every Friday or always watching your favorite show together. It might sound simple, but it’s these little decisions that keep you two bonded.

So, love isn’t just a wild ride that happens to you. It’s more like a project you work on together. It’s deciding every day that you’re going to stick around through snores, dirty socks on the floor, and even those times when they forget to text back.

Remember, finding someone who walks into your life might be a stroke of luck, but keeping them there? That’s a choice. So choose wisely, laugh often, and maybe invest in some earplugs if that snoring gets too out of hand!

JD