The best piece of relationship advice I have

Self-Care Self-Improvement life, living, Self Improvement, self-care, self-help iNthacity Network January 26, 2025 0 Comments

Relationships are like boats. You and your partner decide to get in, paddle together, and navigate the waters of life. But let’s be real—sometimes the waves get rough, the journey feels boring, and you start wondering if you should jump ship. Sound familiar? In a heartfelt and tearful moment, Mel Robbins, the renowned motivational speaker and relationship expert, shared her "Boat Theory" in a viral YouTube video. Her message? Relationships work because two people make a decision to stay in the boat and make it work—no matter what.

If you’ve been in a relationship for 30 years, 10 years, or even 1 year, you’ve probably had moments where you wanted to get out of the boat. But here’s the kicker: the key to a successful relationship isn’t about finding the perfect partner—it’s about being honest with yourself and committing to the journey. Let’s dive into Mel Robbins’ wisdom and explore how you can apply her "Boat Theory" to your own love life.

The Boat Theory: Are You Really in the Boat?

Mel Robbins starts her video with a powerful metaphor: relationships are like boats. You and your partner get in together, and you’re supposed to paddle toward the same destination. But here’s the thing—sometimes, one person is paddling while the other is just sitting there, wondering if they even want to be in the boat. Sound familiar?

Robbins emphasizes that the first step to a successful relationship is being honest with yourself. Are you actually in the boat? Are you committed to making it work? Because if you’re not, no amount of advice or relationship hacks will save you. It’s like trying to paddle a boat with one oar—you’re just going in circles.

Think about it: how many times have you stayed in a relationship because it was comfortable, or because you didn’t want to be alone? Maybe you’re hoping things will magically get better, or you’re waiting for your partner to change. But here’s the truth: relationships don’t work unless both people are fully committed to staying in the boat and paddling together.

Why Relationships Get Rocky (and How to Fix It)

Let’s face it—relationships aren’t always smooth sailing. There are times when the journey gets rocky, and you start questioning whether you’re going to make it. Maybe you’re bored, or maybe you’re dealing with trust issues, financial stress, or just the daily grind of life. Whatever the case, Robbins says it’s normal to feel this way. The key is to recognize that these challenges are part of the journey.

So, how do you fix it? Robbins suggests focusing on the bigger picture. Instead of getting caught up in the day-to-day struggles, remind yourself why you got in the boat in the first place. What drew you to your partner? What are your shared goals and dreams? When you focus on the bigger picture, it’s easier to weather the storms and keep paddling toward your destination.

The Power of Honesty in Relationships

One of the most powerful takeaways from Robbins’ video is the importance of honesty. Are you being honest with yourself about your commitment to the relationship? Are you being honest with your partner about your needs and expectations? Because if you’re not, you’re setting yourself up for failure.

Robbins shares that too often, people stay in relationships hoping things will work out. But hope isn’t a strategy. You need to take action. Have the tough conversations. Be vulnerable. And most importantly, be honest about whether you’re truly in the boat. Because if you’re not, it’s time to either recommit or make the difficult decision to get out.

How to Stay in the Boat (Even When You Want to Jump)

Let’s be real—there will be times when you want to jump out of the boat. Maybe you’re frustrated, bored, or just tired of paddling. But Robbins says that’s when you need to dig deep and remind yourself why you’re in the boat in the first place.

Here are a few tips to help you stay committed:

Communicate openly: Talk to your partner about how you’re feeling. Don’t bottle up your emotions or let resentment build.
Focus on the positives: Instead of dwelling on what’s wrong, focus on what’s right. What do you love about your partner? What are you grateful for?
Set shared goals: Paddling is easier when you’re both working toward the same destination. Set goals together and celebrate your progress.
Take breaks: Sometimes, you just need to pull over and rest. Take time to recharge and reconnect with your partner.

Why the Boat Theory Works

So, why does the Boat Theory resonate with so many people? Because it’s simple, relatable, and actionable. It’s not about finding the perfect partner—it’s about committing to the journey and paddling together, even when the waters get rough.

Robbins’ message is a reminder that relationships take work. They’re not always easy, but they’re worth it. And if you’re willing to stay in the boat and paddle together, you can create a love that lasts a lifetime.

Watch Mel Robbins’ Full Video

If you want to hear Mel Robbins’ full take on the Boat Theory, check out her video below. Trust me, it’s worth a watch.

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The best piece of relationship advice I have | Mel Robbins #Shorts

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Final Thoughts: Are You Ready to Paddle?

Relationships are a journey, and like any journey, there will be ups and downs. But if you’re willing to stay in the boat and paddle together, you can create a love that’s strong, resilient, and unshakable.

So, here’s my question for you: Are you in the boat? Are you committed to making your relationship work, no matter what? Or are you just along for the ride, hoping things will magically get better? The choice is yours.

And if you’re ready to take your relationship to the next level, why not start with a fresh perspective—and a fresh profile picture? A great profile picture can make all the difference, whether you’re on LinkedIn, Facebook, or even a dating site. Check out LookBetterOnline to get a professional-looking profile picture that will make you stand out from the crowd.

What do you think about Mel Robbins’ Boat Theory? Have you ever felt like jumping out of the boat? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to like, share, and join the conversation. And if you’re not already part of the iNthacity community, what are you waiting for? Apply to become a permanent resident of the Shining City on the Web today!

Wait! There's more...check out our gripping short story that continues the journey: The Artifact’s Warning

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