Turn on the radio, and love fills the airwaves. Songs about new love, enduring love, and the love that weathers the test of time. Songwriters pour their feelings into melodies that resonate with our hearts and play through our speakers. But what about love songs that celebrate both love and friendship? “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” by Randy Newman, “Count on Me” by Bruno Mars, “Lean on Me” by Bill Withers, “Stand by Me” by Ben E. King.

These songs inspire us to value the blend of love and friendship, but they don’t often explore the secret to maintaining those relationships. If we were to write our own song, we might include lyrics about love, honor, and… negotiation. Sure, “negotiation” isn’t a romantic buzzword, but it’s essential for keeping the harmony alive in any relationship.

Eventually, every relationship faces moments of negotiation—whether it’s about life decisions, daily habits, or simply understanding one another better. Success in these moments relies on a shared rhythm: Take your time: give negotiations the time they need. Pause and breathe: low, steady breaths give your brain the oxygen it needs to consider both perspectives, shifting from “me” to “we.” Find the harmony: Compromise isn’t about winning; it’s about creating a solution that keeps your love song playing.

Thank you for all that you do. 

Be well, Krista