Image by Mathieu Stern on Unsplash
Right now, we’re living through a moment of profound uncertainty. For some, it feels like the world is turning in their favor. For others, it feels like the ground is shifting underfoot. Politics, the economy, and even our personal values are dividing us in ways we’ve never felt before. The truth is, this moment feels chaotic for everyone — no matter what side of the aisle you’re on. Some are celebrating, convinced the future looks brighter than ever. Others are grieving, scared for what lies ahead. But across the spectrum, there’s a shared sense of instability.
Everywhere you look, the financial pundits are buzzing about where to put your money. Bonds? Gold? Crypto? In times like these, it’s natural to wonder: What can I count on?
It might seem strange to hear investment advice from your therapist, but here I am, about to make my pitch. Ready for the twist? I’m not talking about your portfolio — I’m talking about your relationships. In a time of unprecedented instability, the safest and smartest investment you can make isn’t in a 401(k) or real estate — it’s in the people you love.
What Truly Matters
Here’s the thing: political victories come and go. The stock market rises and falls. Systems and structures evolve. What endures — what will always matter most — is the strength of your connections with the people who love you.
Who will pick up the phone when you call at 2 a.m.?
Who listens when you’ve had a bad day — not to fix it, but simply to hear you?
Who brings you soup or groceries when you’re sick without needing to be asked?
Who fights for you and protects you if you’re in danger or being mistreated?
Who tells you the hard truths you need to hear, even when it’s uncomfortable?
Who joins you in celebration when you’ve had a win — whether big or small?
Who is willing to make a change or repair when a misunderstanding has caused hurt?
Who shares your dreams, your values, or even just the simple joy of a walk, a laugh, or a quiet meal together?
Strong relationships show up in the most tangible ways, and they are the moments that shape your day-to-day life. In an unstable world, these are the relationships that ground you. These are the investments that matter.
The Best Investments You Can Make
When the world feels unstable, it’s tempting to focus outward — to obsess over the news or fixate on what’s out of our control. But the smartest move you can make is to focus inward. The relationships that matter most are the ones that will carry you through life’s inevitable ups and downs.
Here’s where to start:
1) Invest in Your Marriage. Marriage is one of the most important partnerships you’ll ever have. Take time to connect, even in the midst of busy days or disagreements. Have the hard conversations. Show up with curiosity instead of judgment.
2) Invest in Your Family. Whether it’s your blood family or chosen family, prioritize those who show up for you. Make time for your kids, your siblings, your parents, your friends. Show them they matter, not just in big moments but in small, consistent ways.
3) Invest in Your Community. Isolation breeds despair, while connection fosters resilience. Volunteer, join a group, or simply reach out to a neighbor. Building strong communal ties strengthens both you and the people around you.
Navigating the Divides
Investing in relationships doesn’t mean avoiding conflict or ignoring hard truths. Right now, many of us are feeling the strain of political and cultural divides in ways that feel deeply personal.
I’ve worked with couples grappling with fundamental disagreements about their values. I’ve spoken with friends who feel blindsided by beliefs they didn’t know their loved ones held. And I’ve seen how easily these divides can erode trust and connection if left unexamined.
But here’s the truth: relationships are built on more than agreement. They’re built on mutual respect, curiosity, and the willingness to engage — even when it’s hard. Investing in a relationship means leaning into those uncomfortable conversations with the hope of better understanding each other.
Sometimes, it also means accepting that some relationships may not survive the strain — and finding peace in letting go.
You’re Not Alone
If you’re feeling lost, isolated, or grieving the loss of a connection you thought you could count on, know this: you’re not the only one. There are others feeling this way too. And while this moment might feel dark, it’s also an opportunity to find new connections.
In times of great uncertainty, we naturally crave stability. But stability isn’t something you find — it’s something you create. By investing in the relationships that matter most, you build a foundation of trust, love, and connection that can weather any storm.
Sometimes, when things fall apart, other things come together. When you feel your light dimming, look for someone else who will nurture and amplify it by adding theirs to yours. Together, we can shine a light in the darkness — one strong enough to guide us toward a better future.
Guaranteed ROI
It’s easy to feel like we’re living in unprecedented times, but the truth is, humans have always faced uncertainty. What’s gotten us through — what will always get us through — is the strength of our connections.
At the end of the day, what truly matters isn’t who’s in office or what the stock market is doing. It’s who you can turn to when life feels unsteady. It’s the people who show up for you, the ones who listen, the ones who remind you that you’re not alone.
So, in this time of great instability, my advice is simple: invest, invest, invest. Not in stocks, not in bonds, but in the people who make your life meaningful.
That’s the market that will never crash.
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Kristal DeSantis, M.A., LMFT, CCTP, CSTIP
Psychotherapist & Author | STRONG: A Relationship Field Guide for the Modern Man
Schedule a call: https://calendly.com/kristal-desantis
Website: www.strong.love
Instagram @atxtherapist
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