3 / 28 / 2024

Dear Friends,

Sahil Bloom (writer, investor, and entrepreneur) - recently wrote a post claiming the 2 pillars of a strong relationship were High Expectations and High Support. To him, high expectations without high support is a recipe for disaster, as one person wants more from the other but isn't willing to share in the burden of work to obtain it. Similarly, high support without high expectations is a recipe for mediocrity, enabling a person to believe they'll be fine with whatever they do, regardless of growth and effort. This resonated with me, however I believe we need to add a third: High Interest.

It's really about sharing interests. Note - that doesn't say 'shared' interests, as in liking the same things. With Dads & Daughters, far more important is SHARING your interests with one another.

When you take the time to share something you enjoy with your daugther, you're telling her you want to bring her (someone you love) into your world. It makes her feel valued and worthy. You're essentially telling her you not only love her as a daughter, but you LIKE her as a person too.

This could be anything from fishing to video games, a passion for classical music or even betting on the over/under in basketbally games (not that we're promoting that, of course! 😉) Whatever it is that brings you that giddy happiness, the idea is to take the time to share your intersets with her. Even if she doesn't end up exuding the same passion, we promise you - she will ultimately cherish that you wanted to share something that YOU love with HER.

But here's the key - it has to go both ways. You have to take an active interset in whatever she's into too. It may be silly, juvenile, or even long-winded (let's be honest, they're still kids, right?!) but the idea is to give her the time, attention, and interest to share it with you.

Expectations and support are critical, for sure. But learning to express interest in someone else's ideas and perspective - and likewise sharing your own! - that's when you forge connection. And that . . . that creates the foundation for everything else that follows. 💜💙