Finger Print/Ask Justin

Finger Print

The relationship advice industry is a multi-million-dollar business, and as a male hopeless romantic, I can’t help but wonder—what’s the success rate of the advice they’re selling? Everywhere I look, I see one-size-fits-all guidance, repackaged and regurgitated in 15- to 45-second social media clips. Even when you sit through an entire episode of these so-called experts, half the time, you’re left wondering—what are they even talking about?

Sure, some of it sounds great in theory. But how much of what’s being consumed is actually being processed? I watch the videos, then I listen to real conversations, observe real relationships attempting to apply these so-called principles, and honestly? A lot more crap than cream.

I’m not here to knock anyone’s hustle. But why are we taking relationship and marriage advice from people who are unmarried, untested, unproven—or worse, tested and found wanting? Why aren’t we seeking wisdom from those who have been through the wringer and still kept their vows, their rings, and their commitment intact? Why do we cling to the idea that a problem-free man or woman exists anywhere on this planet?

We spend billions of dollars on generic advice that can’t possibly fit the unique dynamics of our relationships. These platforms have their place, but they shouldn’t be stripping us of personal responsibility—responsibility to acknowledge red flags (ours and our partner’s), to do the hard work, and to make life together actually work.

What if, instead of chasing easy answers, we invested in real growth? Mental, physical, and spiritual healing. Healthy habits. Accountability. Self-awareness. Patience. Discipline. Reality. Sacrifice. Service. And most of all—real love.

The simplest life is already infinitely complex. So why do we expect the merging of two lives to be anything but?

I’ll wait…

Your relationship is like a fingerprint—others may have them, but yours is unique to you.

Let’s Talk About It….

1. How has social media or mass-produced relationship advice influenced your views on love and commitment? Has it helped or harmed your approach to relationships?
2. What personal work—mentally, physically, or spiritually—do you think is necessary for you to build and sustain a healthy relationship?
3. In what ways can you embrace the uniqueness of your own relationship rather than comparing it to outside ideals or expectations?