Illustration of hands putting and taking cookies from a jar, with text about relationships.

A friend once shared a simple metaphor with me that I've never forgotten: relationships are like a cookie jar. Every time someone does something kind, shows up, gives support, listens, or makes an effort—another cookie goes in the jar. And every time someone asks for help, needs patience, makes a mistake, or takes energy—a cookie comes out. The relationship works when there's a healthy balance. The jar stays full enough. But it starts to break down when one person is always taking more than they give. Eventually, the jar runs empty. I lost that friend recently. And when I reflect on him and our time together, this metaphor stand stands out to me and takes on new meaning. It's no longer just a clever way of looking at interactions—it's become a lens through which I view my professional and personal life. Whether you're talking about friendships, client relationships, mentorships, or even colleagues at work, the same principle applies. No relationship can survive on withdrawals alone. Even the strongest connection becomes strained when contributions are one-sided. I've learned that successful relationships with clients are built not just on the advice I give, but on the investment of attention, clarity, and trust. When I take the time to educate a startup founder about their trademark strategy, that's a cookie in the jar. When a client calls in crisis and I calmly guide them through their options, another one. These moments matter. It's not about keeping score—it's about See more