George decided to invest in a small market research study to analyze Tom’s business idea. He wanted to understand whether it had any viability and what the potential risks were before making such a drastic decision as selling our home. The findings were eye-opening; Tom’s business plan lacked a solid foundation, and there were significant gaps in his understanding of the market.

Armed with this information, we invited Ellie over for a family dinner under the pretense of discussing her and Tom’s plans. During the meal, we gently brought up the idea of entrepreneurship and asked her about Tom’s business strategy. As she spoke, we could see her enthusiasm, but George and I strategically interjected with questions based on the research findings.

When we revealed the results of the study to her, it was as if a light bulb went off. Ellie realized that her boyfriend’s dreams were not as feasible as she had believed. We assured her that we would always support her aspirations but emphasized that it was important to approach dreams with a realistic mindset.

In the end, we had an open and honest conversation about her future, her choices, and the importance of making informed decisions. We expressed our love and commitment to her well-being, reinforcing that our home was not just a physical space but filled with memories and support.

After this experience, Ellie took a step back and reassessed her relationship with Tom. It was a tough conversation for her, but ultimately, she realized that love should not come at the cost of her values or family. We are relieved and hope this will help her find a more balanced path moving forward.