Love is not just a feeling—it’s an action, a commitment, and sometimes, a challenge. In the busyness of life, relationships—whether romantic, familial, or professional—can drift into autopilot. But what if love wasn’t just something we hoped would last, but something we actively nurtured every single day?
That’s the heart behind The Love Dare, a book by Alex and Stephen Kendrick that has transformed relationships worldwide. Originally introduced in the movie Fireproof, this 40-day challenge has helped countless people rediscover what it means to love with intention, patience, and purpose.
But beyond just romantic love, The Love Dare reveals something much deeper—relationships are the cornerstone of a meaningful and fulfilled life. Whether it’s your spouse, your children, your closest friends, or your business partners, the quality of these relationships will determine the quality of your life.
And yet, despite their importance, these relationships are often the ones we neglect the most.
We Are Created for Relationships
I’ve coached and counseled couples for over 30 years, and one truth has stood out above all others: relationships are everything.
We were designed for connection. No matter how strong, independent, or self-sufficient we think we are, we cannot thrive in isolation. From the moment we’re born, we seek love, belonging, and acceptance. The relationships we form—especially with our spouse, children, inner circle friends, and business partners—become the foundation for our personal happiness and professional success.
Yet, what happens? We get busy.
We assume our spouse will always be there.
We take for granted our closest friendships.
We invest in work but neglect our inner circle.
We don’t prioritize our most meaningful relationships because they feel secure—until they’re not.
The truth is, every relationship requires intentional effort. The most successful people in life aren’t just talented or hardworking—they invest in their relationships. They understand that the people closest to them will shape their destiny.
As my mentor and friend Tony Robbins taught me:
💡 Proximity is power.
💡 Show me your friends, and I will show you your future.
You can only go so far alone. If you want to grow—personally, professionally, spiritually—you need to cultivate strong, loving, and supportive relationships.
The Core Lessons of The Love Dare
One of the greatest gifts of The Love Dare is that it provides a blueprint for building, restoring, and strengthening relationships through daily intentional actions. Some of the core lessons include:
1️⃣ Love Is a Choice, Not Just a Feeling
Love isn’t just an emotion that comes and goes—it’s an intentional decision to prioritize, serve, and cherish someone daily. When we see love as a commitment rather than a fleeting feeling, relationships become stronger and more resilient.
2️⃣ Unselfish Love Is the Most Powerful Love
One of the most common struggles in relationships is selfishness—focusing on what we’re getting rather than what we’re giving. The Love Dare challenges us to put the needs of the other person first, creating a culture of generosity, kindness, and appreciation.
3️⃣ The Small Things Matter
It’s not always the grand gestures that make a relationship thrive. It’s the everyday choices:
✔️ A kind word instead of criticism.
✔️ A hug at the right moment.
✔️ A simple “I appreciate you.”
✔️ Making eye contact and truly listening.
When we neglect these small moments, love fades. When we prioritize them, love flourishes.
4️⃣ Patience, Grace, and Forgiveness Are Essential
Every relationship will face challenges, disagreements, and even betrayals. The Love Dare teaches that love must be patient, full of grace, and quick to forgive. Holding onto resentment is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to suffer. Forgiveness heals.
5️⃣ Love Requires Consistency and Effort
Great relationships don’t happen by accident. They require consistent effort—choosing to love even when it’s hard, showing up even when you don’t feel like it, and putting in the work every single day.
How Coaching Helps Build Thriving Relationships
One of the most fulfilling aspects of my coaching career has been helping individuals and couples rediscover the power of intentional relationships. Whether in marriage, friendship, or business, the principles of The Love Dare are transformational.
Through coaching, I teach people how to:
🔹 Communicate with deeper understanding and empathy.
🔹 Break toxic patterns that cause disconnection.
🔹 Create relationship habits that lead to lasting love and success.
🔹 Align their values with the relationships they invest in.
🔹 Build a tribe of powerful, uplifting people who help them grow.
The greatest people in the world—whether in business, leadership, or personal growth—all have one thing in common: they invest in relationships.
💡 If you don’t have strong relationships, your success will be limited.
💡 If you surround yourself with the wrong people, your future will be affected.
💡 If you take your most important relationships for granted, you will eventually feel the loss.
It’s time to change that.
Your Love Dare: A Challenge for You
Now it’s your turn! If you’re ready to take your relationships to a deeper level, here’s your Love Dare:
🔹 Step 1: Identify one person in your life—a spouse, partner, family member, or close friend—who truly matters to you.
🔹 Step 2: For the next seven days, intentionally show them love in a way that speaks to them (acts of service, words of affirmation, quality time, physical touch, or gifts).
🔹 Step 3: On the final day, have an honest conversation about what they mean to you—through a letter, a voice message, or in person.
💡 Extra Dare: If you really want to challenge yourself, don’t just do this with one person. Do it with the five most important relationships in your life. Take your connections to the next level.
💙 I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your Love Dare journey—send me a message, tag me, about how to build the relationships that will transform your life.
Remember: Love isn’t something we find. It’s something we build.
Dr. Keith Waggoner