If you’re starting to feel disheartened about the way a close friend’s attitude has been changing, you can find a fresh way of seeing their activity today. It all starts with listening. Pay closer attention to what they say they need from you, and you’ll start to see how their needs are affecting the way they’re acting toward you. Talking less and listening more is always the first step toward making partnerships work better in your life.

Consider what’s happening now in the larger context. Your heart is learning and your spirit is growing. You can’t lose.

Your partner is going to follow along with pretty much any plan you’ve got going, so it’s a good time to push the envelope a little (if you’re into that). They might almost seem hypnotized.

Some things are beyond your control, but the things you can do something about had better watch out. That’s where being stubborn comes in handy. You can work twice as hard and spend half as much if that’s what it takes to stay afloat. And as a matter of fact, it is.