Investment dating

I'm not a financier or anything, so this may be an imperfect metaphor, but sometimes I see dating as something akin to investment banking.

You invest the currency of dating - time, affection, love, etc. - and hope to at least break even. If you're really lucky, you'll find an investment that gives back more than you think you could ever put in. It's likely that investment will feel that same way, that they, too, somehow receive more than they put in.

It's hard though, when you feel like you're in a bear market - your stock is going down, your investments aren't giving you any return, and there is no end in sight.

Have no fear. Your stock will go up. You will get returns on your investments, and you'll, one day, be wealthier, in love, than you ever expected.

At least, that's what I keep telling myself.