[jammerlich]

I am about to have a conversation/confrontation that could wind up being the end of a business relationship and, even worse, the end of a friendship. I hate situations like this.

I don't trust myself to know whether I'm really taking good care of myself by doing this, or if I'm being too rigid in not compromising. It almost seems as if I'm having to choose one sort of pain over the other. Do I continue on as things are, knowing that on the inside I'll be unhappy, but still have a person in my life about whom I care a lot. Or, do I go with what I know will make me professionally happy and risk losing someone important.

Here's hoping there's an Option 3 I just don't know about yet.

[Lexicon78]

Trust your gut instinct. What does it tell you to do? Which is more important to you at this point? Your friend or your business? That's a tough one I have to admit.

I hope you do the right thing.

i'd go with my heart and gut.....it is horrible to have to make a choice, as you're having to make. second-guessing ourselves is normal. don't feel like you're the "lone ranger" in that..xoxoxo pat

[(JD)]

That is a tough one. Is there any way TO compromise for the time being, to see if it even "works" for you? At least that way you will know, if it doesn't, that you tried...and would be better assured that ending the relationship is the only way... take care of you...

[jammerlich]

Thank you for the kind thoughts. I think they helped. When I said, "I'm about to," it was literally just about to happen. It was painful and there were tears, but it's all ok now. Both the business relationship and the friendship are intact.

And I got what I wanted, but there's absolutely no joy in that. She made it clear she wasn't happy about it. To try to explain a little, I have started a business with a relative who is also one of my best friends. I like to be organized and have a plan and she's a frantic, fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants kind of person. Not to mention the fact that she is always late. Professionally, she gets things done on time, but it's always in a mad rush. Today, I just HAD to tell her that while I can adapt to that on a personal level, I can't do it on a professional one.

It was a really hard thing to do because I didn't want her to think I wanted her to change who she is. Her craziness is part of her charm. I pretty much told her that I adapted to her on a personal level and if we were going to be linked on a professional level, I needed her to adapt to me there.

[(JD)]

(((jam)))) when you both realize that it takes, usually, three (3) different personality types to run a successful business, then you will each realize that you EACH have to do what you do best, and allow the others to also. It takes the visionary, who sees the future and is very optimistic (sometimes at all costs) .. and it takes the business/financial/maybe pragmatist who keeps the others on the ground when it's required, doing the legal stuff and protecting the INvested interests of the company .. and then it takes the "entreprenuer" person who actually enjoys getting out there and DOING whatever it is that the company does... usually each can do a little of the other's job but it isn't their heart. Ya know?

Good wishes in this!

[BlueFaith]

I'm very happy that you were able to keep your friendship and your business intact. Good for you.

[Babieca]

Friends may come and friends may go but enemies linger ever on. Glad you resolved it.

[January]

Good for you, Jammer. I'm so glad you managed it all.

Hugs,

Jan

[Gemstone]

{{{{{Jammer}}}}}}

I just noticed this. I'm glad everything worked out.