We talked about business strategy over Kung Pao chicken after he made fun of me for getting brown rice again. Apparently the healthier choice is just not okay when it comes to getting Chinese food.|

We discussed pricing and marketing and growing, all the while knowing this wasn’t just about me anymore. We would be doing this together – maybe not as structured written in stone business partners, but life partners.

Come the fall, when I will be losing a free weekend to relax, he will be losing time spent with his wife. When I decide to buy another lens, we both have decided to wait a little longer to have a down payment on a house.

“I believe in you,” he says. “I know you can do this.” Words of affirmation slowing chipping away the fears and doubts that are so crippling. A gentle cheerleader cheering me on from the other side of the table.

A cheerleader that knows that being supportive doesn’t always mean cheering from the sidelines, but whispering truth in the everyday.