Marriage Is Like a Corporate Merger: Can You Agree Depends on Each Party’s Bottom Lines and Whether the Merger Adds Value for Both Sides

When a relationship hits both parties’ bottom lines, if only one side is crossing the line, maybe they’ll keep pestering you. But when both sides cross the line, it’s game over — hands off.

What does someone without a blood tie treating you well actually mean to them? It’s a cost.

All costs must eventually be offset by profits, otherwise the financial books don’t balance. Understanding you (spoiling you) is a cost. Harvesting you is how they balance the books — that’s what the financial statements demand, and no one can stop it. You took the bait; what made you think you could dodge the hook?