Page 7 of 500 First Editions (The Romantics #3)

Welcome to the first week of the rest of your life. Exciting, isn’t it? This week is all about getting to know your partner.

Hopefully, if you’re here, you’ve already taken some time to get to know the person you’re wooing. Sure, you could try this with a stranger, but the results will be better if there’s a positive baseline connection.

During week one, you’ll be doing your research. Collecting data. Taking notes before the test. Watching film before the big game. Whatever analogy floats your boat.

The point is, this week’s challenge will set you up for success throughout the whole program, so take it seriously.

This week, make a note in your phone listing ten things that your partner likes.

Don’t get fancy and use a notebook. The list needs to be kept somewhere handy.

This could be anything from how they take their coffee to their favorite pizza toppings, their birthday (that’s a big one), or what makes them laugh.

Get a wide range of things. The basics: birthdays, important people in their life, pets or no pets.

Then get narrow: favorite colors, foods, and hobbies.

Put those together and it’s like solving a math equation. Need to get flowers? If their favorite color is red, but they’re allergic to roses, should you get red roses? No. Try dahlias, tulips, or zinnias.

Is their birthday coming up, but they hate cake? Get them their favorite donuts.

Get past the basics and dig in deeper. What was their favorite movie as a child? Do they collect things and have a white whale item they’re hunting for? (Set up Google alerts for that.) Do they like crowded events like concerts, or do they need space? What’s a favorite memory they have?

Don’t treat this like an interview. Don’t ask them to list ten things about themselves, then skip off on your merry way like it’s a get-to-know-you discussion board for college.

Find intentional time to have conversations with your partner. You’re going to see me use the word "intentional" a lot. Be observant. Listen. Then, record your notes after you say your goodbyes.

Nothing will tank a connection faster than treating your partner like a patient who has to talk while the doctor can’t be bothered to look up from the chart.

As you work through the program, keep adding to your list. The first ten things this week are a launching point, not a mad dash to the finish.

Need more guidance? Schedule a coaching call with Ryan Ford.