Life often hands us unexpected lessons, even in the most mundane activities, like moving into a new apartment and ordering furniture. An experience with a sectional sofa taught me a valuable lesson about the importance of due diligence, particularly in relationships.
The Move and the Furniture Order
I moved into my apartment and ordered some furniture in the month of June. Without taking any measurements or doing any math, I chose a beautiful sectional that looked perfect in the showroom. Due to stock availability, the delivery was scheduled in two parts.
When the first delivery arrived, it was just in time for my housewarming party, and I was excited to have the middle pieces of the sectional. However, about two or three weeks later, the remaining pieces arrived, and I discovered that once assembled, the sectional was too big for my living space. Disappointed, I had to dismantle it. I realized that keeping oversized furniture simply because I liked the look of it in the showroom wasn’t practical.
A Broader Lesson: Relationships
This experience parallels many areas of life, particularly relationships. Often, we are quick to make decisions based on appearances without doing our due diligence— asking questions, observing behavior, or praying for guidance. Someone may look physically beautiful or handsome, and we rush into a relationship without truly understanding their character and values.
Some quick marriages do work and last—a friend of mine married her husband after just 24 hours and they shared 13 wonderful years together until he passed. However, these God-given exceptions are not the norm.
The Importance of Due Diligence
Without taking the time to cultivate a friendship first or having deep conversations, we might find ourselves committing to someone we hardly know. It’s like assembling furniture without checking if it fits—only to realize too late that it doesn’t work.
The first part of my sectional delivery, which included only the middle pieces, is similar to going out to a game or catching a movie. These activities don’t allow for deep conversations, much like how initial interactions may not reveal everything about a person. It’s crucial to observe how someone deals with life’s difficulties and what their core values are before moving the relationship to the next level.
A Lesson Learned
After dismantling the oversized sectional, I had to go back to the furniture store and pick out something else. I found a beautiful couch and purchased it, but it wasn’t available for immediate delivery. By September 30, 2021, I followed up and was informed it would arrive by the first week of October. Another call to customer service revealed it wouldn’t be ready until October 30th.
The wait taught me patience and the importance of making informed decisions, rather than rushing into something that initially seems perfect but doesn’t fit in the long run.
Conclusion
Taking the time to evaluate our choices—whether it be furniture or relationships—ensures that we make decisions that fit well in our lives. By practicing due diligence, asking the right questions, and observing behaviors, we can avoid unnecessary complications and heartache.
Call to Action: Have you ever made a rushed decision that you later regretted? Share your experiences and lessons learned in the comments below. Let’s support each other in making thoughtful and informed decisions in every aspect of life.
