Can I just say something? I think we need to start treating relationships like an episode of Shark Tank. You are the investor, and you are being pitched by startups…you need to invest accordingly. Would you invest in a company with a low valuation and no return on investment? No. That would be insane. So why treat your relationships any differently? Why would you invest your time and energy into a person who isn?t giving you anything in return?

When you watch the Sharks decide how they want to invest, none of them are investing based on something just being a good idea or concept. There has to be something on the table — something tangible, whether it’s past success, potential growth, or at least a solid plan for the future. This is exactly how we need to approach love and relationships. Charm, attraction, or even great chemistry aren’t enough on their own if there?s no return on investment — emotional, intellectual, or otherwise.

In the past, I’ve poured so much energy into relationships with no real return, and once you fall into that pattern, it can be hard to break. You start to lose sight of what you truly want and spend more time trying to fix the other person rather than assessing the relationship itself. It’s like buying into a company that doesn’t even have a product — no solid foundation, no progress. And without a product, there’s no company. Instead of gaining value, you end up losing — time, energy, and ultimately, your emotional well-being. You invest everything, only to end up with nothing. So, what?s the point?

The truth is, relationships need more than potential. They need action, commitment, and reciprocation. If you’re constantly pouring energy, time, and love into someone who is offering you nothing but empty promises, that’s the equivalent of investing in a sinking ship. You wouldn’t just throw money at a company that isn’t going anywhere, so why throw your emotional resources into a person who isn’t showing any signs of growth or genuine interest in reciprocating? The ROI in love is mutual effort, respect, and shared goals — if those aren’t present, it’s time to reassess.

Also, similar to business and investments, in relationships, you have to be okay walking away from the deal. The Sharks don’t invest out of desperation, and neither should you. If the terms aren’t right, or if the potential isn’t there, they walk away without hesitation. You can’t invest from a mindset of fear or scarcity that something else won’t come along, because it will. And sometimes, walking away from the wrong “deal” opens you up to the right one.

Relationships, like investments, should bring value to your life. Be selective. Don’t settle for anything less than what you deserve, because you’re worth the full investment.

Xoxo,

Alexandria

Something to ponder: Are you in a relationship worth investing in?