“Family: A social unit where the father is concerned with parking space, the children with outer space and the mother with closet space:” – Evan Esar, Author
In the past several years since I’ve had the pleasure of writing this column of my thoughts, feelings and sometimes venting, at this time of year I turn to my “reaching out and touch somebody” series.
I searched my brain to think of someone to write about. Then I saw an article from the New York Times called Love – Good marriages do not neglect the individual by T Parker-Pope.
It was about spouses and/or significant others relating to one another. It went on to say that the more we share with each other, the more we grow and the more we respect each other. When I told my wife Audrey about this article, she said, “Why not write about the importance of how in the best marriages, the individual grows?
What does this concept have to do with our profession?
A great marriage will enable the spouse who is in real estate to understand and comprehend the craziness of our industry. We work at bizarre hours at times. Sometimes we leave our homes early in the morning and arrive home late at night, missing many dinners with family. Weekends also demand our time away from family and family outings.
A spouse who is in another line of work will be able to understand the nuances of our business if each spouse communicates the various pressures and problems with each others’ business. A closer relationship will develop and if so, both parties will grow and appreciate the various sacrifices made. This also works when one spouse is the “household engineer” who labours daily with the endless chores at home.
When I was active selling, I did not come to appreciate all that my spouse was involved with daily. And it had its repercussions unfortunately for all concerned.
So, I take my hat off to all the spouses/significant others, who do grow with us and appreciate our efforts as we should appreciate theirs.
At our offices we stress that agents should take days off with family and plan family vacations on a regular basis.
Bishop Desmond Tutu, in his book about families, said it all: “You don’t choose your family. They are God’s gift to you, as you are to them.”
I humbly ask of all my readers to take this article to heart and practice it daily. May 2011 see you and your family grow stronger together.
Stan Albert, broker/manager, ABR, ASA at Re/Max Premier in Vaughan, Ont. can be reached for consultation at stanalb@rogers.com. Stan is now celebrating 40 years as an active real estate professional.
Stan Albert, ABR, ASA is a consultant with Re/Max Premier in Vaughan, Ont. He can be reached for consultation by email. Stan is now celebrating his 45th year as an active real estate professional.
