Taking a picture is a great way to celebrate love.

Prior to turning on the camera, you usually already know that this is an opportunity for you to capture life with a physical photo. Whether it is celebratory, surprising, or adventurous it is a moment you want to remember and share. Another type of picture that comes to mind is a mental picture. This mental image is what immediately comes to mind and best embodies the person, object, or scenario.

When people think of you what do they see? What do they picture? When people think of a good relationship, do they think of your relationship?

These are questions that we should ask ourselves on a daily basis. How we are perceived as an individual and as a couple is important.

A picture – tangible or mental – is worth a thousand words. Take for example a photo of a President on his day of inauguration or a couple on a romantic date – what do you think of? Whether it is thoughts of honor, judgment, or happiness, the majority of people want those descriptions to be positive.  When we develop a mental picture of someone, it often comes with a string of words that we associate with him or her.  Some are the epitome of what it means to be loving, joyful, driven, adventurous, understanding, compassionate, and strong. While some, on the other hand, are difficult, confusing, misunderstood, guarded, and broken.

When thinking of personal friends, it made me realize how important it is to know who we are – both as an individual and when in a relationship. As an individual, we should know ourselves well enough to not lose who we are in a relationship. When in a relationship, however, we should not only know who we are but also know our partner and how we can complement one another.

Picture this – how do you want to be captured?

Put together two lists. On one list jot down things you personally want to represent. On the other list, write what you want your relationship to represent. If you are in relationship, make your list together. (It will be more effective and meaningful if you both understand what the other wants and work on that together.)

Regardless of if you are single or in a relationship, I also suggest praying, reading the Bible, and journaling. Journal about everything and anything – about your thoughts, concerns, and ideas reading this “picture process”. Think of ways you can challenge yourself and your relationship to embody at least one solid thing from your lists when taking pictures literally or mentally. You (and your partner) can affect how the literal picture and the mental image of you are captured by others.

To make sure the desired picture is conveyed, you can – make your two lists, pray about it, discuss it, and take the necessary actions to get the positive picture you desire. Get the picture?

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