I read this last year on Brian Andreas' twitter feed, stumbled onto it again and had to share, he speaks the truth.
Tip #1: Don't ever think you can go behind their backs. It will backfire in VERY creative ways. Because they're smart & creative. Duh.
Tip #2: quit whining about why they're with you in the 1st place. They CHOSE you. So, get over your neuroses. Or at least shut up about them.
Tip #3: don't expect them to think what you do is interesting. If it was interesting, they'd be doing it. Just be sure it interests you. ( Note: If it's not interesting to you, don't tell them how it's driving you crazy. Because they'll ask Why the hell are you doing it then?)
Tip #4: DO NOT try & bend a smart & creative person to your will. It will go badly. It may take awhile, but IT'LL GO BADLY. Trust me on this.
Tip #5: Smart, creative people like presents (not always stuff) that intrigue them & say you thought about ways to make deeper conversation ( Note : If all you're doing is starting up a conversation by telling them the details of your day, you are killing them slowly)
**Tell them about the man you met who is trying to teach his canary to whistle opera. Or the lady who offered you 2 for 1 alien ray protectors.
Tip #6: Pay attention in your life. A smart & creative person is not there to entertain you. They are there to play with you. Big difference.
Tip #7. Chocolate & wine. Apply liberally. Be willing to laugh & dance & open more wine. This is the most useful tip
Tip #8: Be flexible & self-sustaining. Smart,creative people have an impetuous relationship with life, so their attention is not always on you
Tip #10: managing a smart, creative person is different than living with one... (Note that creative people don’t always follow the rule, hence no #9) You may THINK you can manage them. This is a delusion. The best you can do is lay it all out & ask what they want to do about it.... AND If you MUST manage smart, creative people, tell them about it up front & promise treats when they deliver. They work like demons for treats.
