Relationships - you and the one you love and/or feel strongly about. That's it, right? Just you and your fancy-pants-muffin-face. That's the goal, the dream, the norm.

Well, not really.

Of course, you and the object of your affection should be happy and together and all that. Especially if you want a committed relationship. The problem is no relationship stands alone or in a vacuum, void of any other people. 

The Mistake

The first major problem in relationship hunting or even relationship management is not always about the right chemistry or even getting along with the other person - it is the supporting cast.

Everyone has a different supporting cast in his/her life but you cannot have a life without one. Some are made up of family members and some of friends and some of both.

Believing that a relationship is only about the two people involved is a mistake. 

Respect the Cast

Your supporting cast is there to both help and annoy you. It is important to include them in your relationship. Remember, work and outside stresses with take a toll on your relationship and your family and friends can help restore sanity to it. 

A good relationship, a good marriage, cannot survive on its own anymore than a plucked flower can survive in a dish of water. 

Ideally, your supporting cast will help remove you from those who are not perfect for you and encourage you to work to restore cracks with someone you really should be with. When you are unsure what to do, how to tell a secret or how to surprise the object of your affection with something delightful, they will be there.

When you find yourself in a relationship that makes your days a little brighter, don't push your friends and family aside. Make an effort to be there for them because they can help you build a stronger relationship. 

Visual

Here's a good visual. 

A visual

Star Wars, the American epic hero story, is about Luke Skywalker. He's a rebel with a cause. An almost-orphan who brings down the evil emperor. And he has a great supporting cast! What would Stars Wars be without R2D2, Han Solo or even Princess Leia? 

Nothing. It would have been nothing, my friend. A supporting cast is always a key element.

Friend: I never saw Star Wars. Why is it in your dating blog?
Me: Friendship over.
Ex-Friend: Star Wars is for geeks.
Me: I'm going to put you out of your misery with my mindthoughts.
Ex-Friend: Do you want to go to the bar? My treat.
Me: Margaritas?
Friend: Sure. 

Friendship restored

Image Credit

Kick ass poster from cinemasterpieces.com.