It’s one thing to hold on to your principles, but it’s quite another to hold on to idealistic notions about how people should behave. The world isn’t a friendly place sometimes, and that’s a fact. It’s a fact that is sad and unfortunate, but you have to admit it and factor it into your plans. It’s not about thinking negatively or assuming the worst. It’s about being realistic and being ready for people to need to know what’s in it for them.

Don’t even try to get out of your responsibilities. Having fun with friends or going out on that date has to wait. You won’t even enjoy yourself if you go! Your best bet is to get stuff done now and make room for fun times later.

You can read your partner like a book. If they’re being less than honest with you about a crucial issue, don’t let it slide. Bringing things out into the open takes away their power to hurt.

It may seem silly to look into future plans when you can hardly finance current projects, but one can still be idealistic. Your bottom line is still the bottom line, though, so take a close look at your balances.