When you're in the market to purchase a vehicle, do you look for the feeling or the purpose? Do you think, “I can see myself in this,” “I can turn heads with this,” or “Can I get all the groceries and family trips accomplished in this?” This is a relationship. In fact, many women and men enter into relationships attracted to the exterior instead of inspecting what’s under the hood.
Would you still buy this vehicle knowing it had engine problems? We are conditioned to be superficial, especially when we feel empty and unfulfilled inside. We magnetize ideas and things that we assume will add "makeup" to our insecurities and plug in the voids. Warning signs are often present from the beginning, but we ignore them. We become the master mechanic, minimizing the problems with a belief that we can fix them. All we care about is being able to enjoy the ride.
But what happens when you bite off more than you can chew? The car overheats every 2 miles, the transmission slips out of gear, the A.C. doesn’t work, and now you’re stuck with the inconvenience, misery, and other headaches. What a good-looking mess you've got yourself into!
Next time you visit a dealership—or enter into a relationship—make sure you respect the warning signs, understand what you want, and test drive the vehicle before you commit to purchasing it. It's important to judge the car by its performance, not just its appearance.
This analogy applies to relationships as well. We often get caught up in the superficial aspects of a partner—their looks, charm, or status—without paying attention to the deeper qualities that really matter. Just like a car with engine problems, a relationship can seem perfect on the outside but have serious issues under the surface.
So, how can you avoid buying a lemon, whether it's a car or a relationship? Start by being honest with yourself about what you want and need. Look beyond the exterior and pay attention to the substance. Are there red flags? Are there signs that something might not be right? Don't ignore these warning signs. They're there for a reason.
Remember, a good relationship, like a reliable car, should enhance your life, not complicate it. It should make your journey smoother, not harder. So next time, don't just go for the flashy model that turns heads. Choose the one that's built to last, with all the qualities you need for a smooth ride.