Romantic Love: That Might Be What Is Holding Your Back

 "He's a nice guy." or "She's such a good human being."

That's how the typical tarot reading starts out if the person in pain is struggling with the decision to end the romantic relationship. 

At least that's what's typical in America. That's not what is standard in a number of other countries in which I conduct tarot sessions. 

See, in America too many can "afford" to rule out most of the pragmatic issues when it comes to matters of the heart. Those can extend to what is accepted as loyalties supposedly due in friendship and even in the office. 

In less affluent economies pragmatism dominates. It has to. That takes the actual form of being aspirational, as in "Where will this take me?" At the very least, that means survival. But it can be linked to hopes of getting beyond just getting by. 

Usually in America the unease about a relationship sets in when A) Adversity hits or B) Success begins to happen. Then, there is the Ah-Ha moment of:

"I can't keep doing this."

"This is not enough." 

"This is not helping me."

"This is holding me back." 

Shaken loose are all the features of what's aspirational. They range from questions about what kind of relationship is needed to rage about being tethered to the wrong fit for way too long.

Before the code of Romantic Love began during the Middle Ages, such ties were economic. For example, based on the demands of a division of labor, human beings set out to find what to them would be the best fit for the life tasks that had to be performed to not only survive but maybe even having a shot at moving ahead in a society. Once there was a meeting a minds (not necessarily of hearts) between the two parties there could be the courting, then the marriage - or merger.

In current times we refer to that as "team work." Or, if the joining together is performed in the upper tiers of a society such as on Manhattan's Upper East Side, the merger is classified as a "power couple." 

The same pattern occurs in networking. That is a process operated according to the rules of horsetrading.  And, of course, it's totally aspirational. The members of a network aim to get ahead - and stay ahead.

You aren't allowed in, at least not for long, unless you have something of value to trade. Maybe that is access, skills, wealth, ability to provide jobs, the likability to get votes or even the reputation for blocking projects. Being a nice guy or a wonderful human being? That doesn't cut it. The master networkers of our times - former US President Bill Clinton, Paul Weiss chair Brad Karp, JP Morgan Chase ceo Jamie Dimon - have plenty to trade. You bet, they are "courted."

So, what can help you out if you are confused about matters of the heart? As The New York Times reports, the tarot is a tool for self-awareness. During the session, what can emerge is what you, at that moment in your life, are really "looking for." And the blessing is that you should be able to experience that realization without shame. Incidentally, there are no wrong or right feelings. 

What those disappointed in romance, friendship and professional networking may be encountering is the surging internal pressure to surrender to the raw economics of human bonding. From cave man times to, yes, now it's about sizing up potential/opportunity and then going after that. 

Ideally along that journey you should be able to thrive emotionally and spiritually. Pragmatism and inner peace are not mutally exclusive. 

Life is hard. Business is even more difficult these days. Get answers – and relief. Jane Genova is a results-driven confidential intuitive coach, tarot reader and content-creator related to careers. Complimentary consultation (please text/phone 203-468-8579 or email janegenova374@gmail.com)