This is a step on performing a safe lift but it really applies to a great many things in life both professionally and personally. How many times have people gotten themselves into situations that they wish they had not. How many times would those same people have made a different decision, than the one that was made and had caused them this grief and suffering, had they known ahead of time what they were getting themselves into. Furthermore, did they even spend any time at all investigating the situation that they were about to enter into. In the majority of cases, probably not.
Relationships can have a major impact on an individuals life. They can last only a few moments or can last for a lifetime. They can be positive and healthy for all involved or they can be a never-ending hell. A healthy and positive relationship can develop out of a momentary event or out of long term event. Likewise a hellish and unhealthy relationship can develop out of a momentary event or out of a long term event.
The point is that there is no set formula that "just happens" anytime an individual enters into a relationship. The chances of living a life in pleasure are just as likely as the chances of living a life in pain. If a person wants to live a good life with as little pain as possible, they owe it to themselves to spend some time and evaluate the relationship before they step into it.An evaluation that considers the long term consequences that are at stake is always necessary. Long term considerations such as an unexpected pregnancy and what if that pregnancy results in a child with some form of a disability. What about an incurable sexually transmitted disease that puts the brakes on all romance and renders the person socially useless. Then there are the individuals that put on a great show only for it to come to light later that they are physically abusive. Who are the families that this person comes from? Might they have a family history of alcoholism, drug addiction or child abuse. These are all negative examples and only have a 50% chance of being realized but is it wise to wager a life with these kinds of odds?
A equally serious consideration that has to be taken into account is the mental stability of the person you are considering a relationship with. Does the person have a problem handling rejection and feels that chaining their unwilling subject to a cold metal chair in their dark wet basement is a way to ensure that their subject will always be theirs to keep. The mind is a mysterious thing and even more mysterious in individuals that are not mentally stable. Murder suicide would also be something to consider from this type of person. Again, these are all negative examples and only have a 50% chance of being realized, but is it worth taking that chance? Investigate and evaluate before doing anything of a deep or serious relational nature with anyone.
So we end almost in the same place as we started -
Relationship Step #1 - Know what you are getting yourself into.
