Measure the things that you want to manage
If something can be measured, it can be managed.
If you cannot measure something, you cannot manage it statistically.
There is no measure in love.
As a kid, we opened our arms as wide as possible to show how big our love was. We said “I love you that much”. Even back then, we knew that it was just a representation. It cannot be measured. Therefore, love cannot be controlled statistically.
I think most people, and more confidently I can say that most men, have a strange “balance system” in their minds. I call it strange, because it is rational, but it is flawed at the same time realistically.
“Ok, I did this and that, so she should act like this and that.”
There is no indication that she should act like “this and that”.
There is no obligation.
Nothing.
Relationships are not based on such a balance, in my opinion. It seems like it is, but in reality, there is no such balance and there is nothing measurable in terms of feelings. It is better to feed the relationship, make it lively and exciting. Do not measure it.
However, if you want to manage something, measure it.
Your weight? Make a spreadsheet, and take notes.
Books you read? Hours you work? Your training performance? Make a spreadsheet.
Your financial situation? Make a spreadsheet.
There is no better way than seeing the results on a spreadsheet. There is no lie, no manipulation of words, no “if”.
You see just the raw data.
I think this is the place where the answer to the infamous question “Why are we learning this?” that was asked uncountable times in math classes around the world.
You do not need to use calculus, differential equations, or trigonometry to manage.
But use the arithmetics.
Use the arithmetics on a piece of paper.
Use the arithmetics on a spreadsheet.
Use the arithmetics on a table.
If you do not see statistically, you will not manage.
You may win in the short-term. For the long term success and management, create a spreadsheet on whatever you want to measure, and use the arithmetics.