Most smart people learn from their past. What worked. What didn’t. I guess I’ll never understand why more people don’t realize the same is true when it comes to the broader past. All of human history can teach us what worked and what didn’t.
Look at World War Two. Do you think the British are happy they chose the United States as allies? You bet your hind quarters they did. Maybe we’ve been tough to live with in peace time, but back when a maniac with a never-cool mustache came knocking, you can bet they were pleased we were wearing the same color jersey. Whether it’s on the world stage, at the workplace, or in a school cafeteria, your alliances are crucial.
When I was a kid my family used to play board games. One of the games was Risk. I’ll never forget making an alliance with my dad. I left my border with him completely exposed while I went after mom with every wave of reinforcement. (Alaska and Kamchatka in case you’re curious.) She couldn’t beat our combined strength. Then, he turned on me. Within two turns, I was out of the game. Dad said he was teaching me a lesson. Alliances are important and should only be cemented after careful discernment.
You have to ask yourself if an alliance will stand with you through tough times. They won’t abandon you in your time of need. But you also need to know they will stick with you in good times. They won’t become envious of your strength and stab you in the back. They will recognize any success you attain is a shared success.Why do you think wedding vows contain both sickness and health?