To pick up what I am putting down in this blog post, we need to kick it old school... like high school type of old school.

Regardless if your high school boy band of choice was The Beach Boys, Boys II Men, or BTS, this should be pretty easy.

On day one of high school geometry, you probably learned the difference between parallel and perpendicular lines. See if you can recall the lesson amidst the hazy memory of your crush's beautiful eyes.

Parallel lines run alongside each other and never intersect. | |

Perpendicular lines intersect at 90 degrees. |-

Now, let's apply this little lesson to the way you approach relationships. (Yes! Finally, a useful application for high school geometry).

Most people approach even their closest relationships from a parallel-line perspective. We say things like, "I am right here with you." and "I am so excited to celebrate your success."

We run alongside other people's lives sending good vibes and providing a listening ear.

That feels good until the sh*t hits the fan.

When you live in a world of parallel relationships, you live alone.

The illusion of support is there, but when you experience a crisis, need hands-on help to reach a milestone, or want to connect, everyone is at a distance.

To build lasting, profound relationships, you need to position yourself perpendicularly to the lives of others.

Instead of listening to them vent, schedule a working session where you both dive in to solve the problem.

Congratulating someone on their accomplishments is great, but it is even better to read their book, listen to their podcast, or go to their show and then get specific about why your buddy is awesome.

Podcast and course recommendations are lovely, but taking some of the action items and putting them on your own to-do list shows true partnership.

Get all up in their business (respectfully).

Go out of your way. Be a collaborator. Show up.

Soon, your perpendicular behaviors will help you graduate from geometry to calculus. You will turn isolated moments of intersection into repeated, consistent waves of mutually beneficial relationships.

Of course, every relationship will not require perpendicular or wavy actions. Invest in who and what matters.

A few more "Don't worry baby"s as you dive into a deeper connection will prevent your relationships from coming to the end of the road and keep your interactions smooth like butter. (I couldn't help myself from coming back to the boy band reference).

Questions to ask yourself:

• Who do I want to get perpendicular with? (Not like that...geez)

• How will changing my approach to those select relationships be mutually beneficial?

• What is the single action I can take today to shift from parallel to perpendicular?

More perpendicular relationships will help you feel less isolated, stressed, and overwhelmed on your empire-building journey.

Now, wouldn't that be nice? (last one, I promise.)