How a Relationship is like a Car (an analogy for men)

I want to start out saying that this post probably doesn't apply to every man alive; just to all the ones I've known.

Through the different relationships in my life, I have found that while most women had an inborn understanding that relationships take work. Most men don't. Whether they are dad, brother, husband, or lover; most men seem to think once you are established in a relationship you need no longer think about it.

Years ago, when trying to find a way of describing the need to work on our relationship with my husband, I come up with the following analogy: a relationship is like a car in the following ways. The following list is specific to romantic relationships.

It is all fun to drive and show off when you get a new car but after a while you start taking it for grant. (You start out in a relationship opening doors, taking her places, holding her hand when in public, introducing her to everyone you meet. A few years down the road and the door is likely to hit her in the face if she's still planning on you holding it for her. Ever stood beside your husband at a picnic or get together and he forgets to introduce you?)

You need to do some basic things to a car on different cycles of use: fill with gas once a week, clean windows every week or so, wash on a regular bases, change oil ever 3,000 miles, etc. These things require time, a little money, and thought to accomplish. (A relationship requires repetitive maintenance as well. A phone call, a note left for them, an occasional date night out, even a special weekend away every few months.)

The harder you use your car the more maintenance it needs: requiring visits to the auto shop. (Should be self explanatory; but if your mate is stressing, see that get what "they" need to rejuvenate them.)

Your car will also require new tires and components. (New clothes that fit will make your mate happy.)

And above all, READ YOUR MANUALS. You will read instructions on how to install electronics, update your software, fix your vehicle . . . why should it be so hard to pick up and read a manual on having and maintaining a long term relationship? With proper maintenance, your relationship can outlive your car.

Which should be more important to you?