Many of us weren’t taught to develop interpersonal skills, set healthy boundaries, and invest in relationships with the same level of forethought and determination we use when investing in our education, careers, or stock portfolio.

I love tea, skincare routines, books, and memes. I’m a certified life coach and a 7 Principles Gottman leader. I coach individuals and couples who desire joyful and authentic connection — people who aspire to build high-quality relationships.

I was a DACA Dreamer and I came to the US as a child from Kazakhstan. Like any other third culture kid, I’ve had a crazy ride in trying to piece together my identity and sense of belonging.

I grew up in a broken home and was not sold on the idea of marriage or even being in a long-term relationship. It was not worth the headache (or heartache). For many years, the walls around my heart were higher than Rapunzel’s tower.

Green card jokes aside, as an immigrant, I had increased awareness of the the effort it would take to ensure that a marriage could last. I knew my marriage would have to undergo rigorous scrutiny to be deemed “legit,” and I was absolutely not willing to settle for mediocrity in love.

Relationships are risky investments, but are also the most valuable thing that we can invest in.