31/365 You Marry More than Your Partner

THE QUOTE

Never judge someone by who he's in love with; judge him by his friends. People fall in love with the most appalling people. Take a cool, appraising glance at his pals.
—Cynthia Heimel

THE LOVE NOTE
K—
Well, my friends were your friends, too, so you already knew what you were getting. And how blessed we are to have such true blue friends who have also proven their greatness through their love and devotion to their families. They are examples to me of how to be a good man myself. Just look at us back in college there in the "Dungeon." This is a great quote—one that our kids will do well to learn from as they make their choice for a partner.
—J

THE GREAT RELATIONSHIP PRINCIPLE
You marry more than your partner. People often "act" surprised or shocked by their spouses family and our friends behavior, mannerisms and attitudes. Then they act like victims of their in-laws and their partner's friends. Well, "look before you leap" may be cliché, but it's still wise counsel for those who are falling in love with someone to bear in mind you buy the whole package: Family, friends, associates—warts and all. If it's already "too late" for you, then stop acting victim (if you are) of your partner's friends and family and instead learn how to engage more effectively with them or to better manage your own side of it. Don't know how? No problem. Call me.