A Night on the Corner of 53rd and 9th
Rob and I stood on the corner of 53rd and 9th Ave. after a super swell Saturday.
“Ok, well… Night!” he tossed his Leading Man grin and turned south toward his Hell’s Kitchen apartment.
“Night then,” I said through a tight, everything-is-just-fine grin and turned north toward my studio shoebox on the UWS.
We had been dating about a year. Rob was the lead actor touring in a big musical. Between tour stops, we would have a great time walking hours through Central Park and new unexplored neighborhoods – each excursion ending with our search for the city’s best margarita.
Our time together felt light and fun.
Our time apart felt heavy and arbitrary.
Wanting More Than Time
I wanted more. Not more time, more connection. After several attempts at expressing my needs, I still felt less a partner and more a Labrador pup.
On this night, at this street corner, I was hit with a miraculous moment of clarity and realization that I didn’t want to carry that lonely weight anymore.
“Hey!” I called to his retreating back. He turned. I let all pretense drop and said evenly, “You’re not really. totally. crazy for me. are you?”
The Moment of Truth
I could have remained silent and spent many more months imagining playing his leading lady in the RomCom called “Life.” Instead, I had thrown my question over the edge and stood waiting for the sound of truth as it hit cool, hard reality below.
In an act that I (now) view as transcendent benevolence, he sighed, flashed that smile, and said simply, “No. I guess. Not really.”
Clunk.
“Oh. Ok. So. I guess… we’re done then?” I wouldn’t have believed this was coming out of my mouth if I saw the TikTok of it happening.
Two people, three sidewalk squares apart, mercifully and mutually and excruciatingly euthanizing “Us” amid the rushing rapids of people, and taxis, and taxis, and taxis.
The weight of an unrequited relationship was lifted, and I was free to Live Lighter and eventually find my person.
Connection in Business and Life
Recently, as I was interviewing service providers for the many facets of professional expertise I need for my speaking business, it struck me… That moment of time spent years ago was a powerful part of my evaluation process.
Some businesses treat me like they are happy to spend a few moments with me if it means a sale, but it seems clear they’ll be off singing and dancing elsewhere as soon as I sign on.
Others truly take the time to discover what I am all about and how we can best work together. They connect with me.
These are also usually the folks who offer a few ideas or insights “just because.” They seem to understand that loyalty and commitment to me means loyalty and commitment for them.
Where Do You Stand?
That connection is what I choose to spend my pennies on.
So…
Which kinds of business partners do you have?
Which kind of business partner are you?
A Time to Let Go and Connect
Now is a good time to let go of heavy business connections.
And a GREAT time to make those you serve feel like superstars!
Love and light,
Tami
