“There’s no perfect. There will always be struggle. You just have to pick who you want to struggle with.”
Struggle is part of being human. No relationship, no family, no friendship is without it. We sometimes chase perfection — the perfect partner, the perfect home life, the perfect circle of friends — only to find ourselves disappointed when reality sets in. The truth is, perfect doesn’t exist.
But meaningful does. What makes the difference isn’t whether struggle shows up — it’s who we choose to face it with.
Think of the strongest relationships in your life. Chances are, they weren’t forged in comfort. They were built in shared hardship — raising kids together, working through money stress, grieving loss, or simply standing by each other through bad days. Research on close relationships shows that shared struggle creates deeper intimacy and trust. It’s not about the absence of pain, but the presence of people who stay.
When we look back on our lives, the struggles themselves may blur, but the faces beside us remain sharp. Who laughed with you when you wanted to cry? Who reminded you of your strength when you doubted it? Who stayed when it would have been easier to walk away?
So the real question isn’t: Can I avoid struggle? It’s: Who do I choose to struggle with?
Action: Today, tell someone close to you — a partner, family member, or friend — that you’re grateful to face life’s struggles together.
Reflection: In your own life, are you surrounding yourself with people who make the hard times worth it? Who shows up when it’s messy?