7 Practical Love Lessons You Can Learn From Digital Products

Everywhere you turn in life, there’s an experience, a moment, a conversation, even a fleeting observation to pick lessons from.

It could be something a friend says during a casual chat, a striking scene from a movie, or the way a stranger smiles at you in passing.

Life is always speaking to us, offering tiny glimpses of wisdom if we’re willing to notice.

We all will agree that understanding becomes easier when knowledge is conceptualized, because it hits home more.

It’s easier to grasp an abstract concept when it’s wrapped in something familiar, something we can relate to.

Many books are born out of creative ideas, and so are countless great articles and viral social media posts.

When you remember a person’s name or a place, it often sticks because of how it made you feel; maybe a unique story, a quirky anecdote, or a distinctive vibe that left an impression.

These are more than mere names or locations; they’re experiences, feelings, and narratives wrapped around a person or a place.

Sometimes it’s the nostalgia of childhood memories or the warmth of a genuine gesture that makes someone unforgettable.

It’s amazing how a simple idea can evoke an emotional connection.

And love, well, is packed with all these little moments.

When it comes to love and relationships, there are endless concepts to learn from. Some are drawn from our own experiences, others from observing people around us.

We often lean on these lessons to manage the ups and downs of relationships.

We think of love in terms of connection, understanding, compromise, and, above all, the little gestures that make our hearts swell.

Today, as a product owner, business developer, and product manager, I’d like to add something a bit unconventional to this list.

Digital products, which may seem technical and often impersonal for some people, have taught me some powerful lessons about love and relationships. I know it sounds unusual, but follow me on this path.

The world of digital products is all about creating solutions, building trust, iterating, and, ultimately, connecting with people.

When you think about it, those are the exact same foundations we need in our personal relationships.

So, here are a few of the valuable lessons digital products have taught me about love and relationships. I am limiting them to only 7.

1. People Buy Solutions, Not Products

In marketing, people don’t buy products but solutions to their problems, and the most compelling solutions are wrapped in emotion.

Advertisements often focus on how a product will make you feel rather than just listing its features.

Similarly, when we fall in love, we’re not just attracted to someone’s appearance or their resume-like qualities; we’re drawn to how that person makes us feel—safe, excited, understood, or supported.

But here’s the catch: when the marketing is peeled away and the perceived solution isn’t there, reality does set in.

This is why some relationships feel like a wake-up call.

You may start by being swept away by the excitement, but when you get into the day-to-day, if the emotional solution isn’t truly present, if that safety, understanding, or care isn’t real, you’ll feel an emptiness that the initial attraction can’t fill.

No matter how much hype or noise there is around a product, what truly matters is understanding the real value it provides.

You need to recognize a product by the solutions it proffers, not just by how it’s marketed.

Much like a relationship, the essence of a true partner is revealed by what they bring into your life. Not just their looks or the image they project, but the real, deep connection and support they provide when the surface fades away.

If you want to have a truly fulfilling relationship, project yourself as a solution in an authentic way.

Show up as someone who is genuinely willing to meet your partner’s needs, not just during the “advertising” phase (early dating) but also when it really matters.

This means showing your partner that you’re there for the ups and downs, understanding their concerns, and caring deeply about their well-being.

Authenticity is the best “campaign” you can run in love as it shows that the value you offer is real, not just a well-crafted pitch.

2. Features Without User Experience Mean Nothing

I’ve watched the Android vs. iOS debate for a long time now, and if there’s one thing that stands out, it’s the way iOS users almost always present themselves as superior.

Even though there are some Android phones out there with far better features, iOS users seem to carry an unshakeable sense of pride.

Now I remember the first app I created. While it took considerable effort to push it to the Android store, getting it onto the Apple store was a whole different ordeal; it took at least five times the effort.

Apple cared about every button, every function, every minor detail.

I could bet they even cared about the air surrounding the user’s phone!

Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if someone at Apple’s review team spent five minutes pondering whether that app icon gave off the right “vibe.”

They are meticulous, and they aim to craft a seamless experience, sometimes to a point that feels almost funny.

So why do iOS users feel so superior, you ask? It’s all about the user experience.

Even though there are several pain points with using an iPhone—the limited customization, no expandable storage, the high costs—many iOS users would still choose it over an Android.

And why? Because iOS offers a user experience that makes them feel special.

More than most Android products, Apple products are designed to evoke a sense of elegance, simplicity, and luxury, which makes users willing to ignore certain downsides.

They project their love for the product and feel a sense of belonging that overshadows the things that could be better.

On the other hand, an average Android user often doesn’t even realize some of the limitations that come with iOS, because the iPhone experience makes users project feelings of love, acceptance, and status over any of the features it might be missing.

The emotional attachment to the experience outweighs what’s on paper.

In relationships, it’s much the same.

People often say, “He makes me feel valued, respected, and understood.” That’s the magic of user experience. Making someone feel like they truly matter is priceless.

It’s why some relationships and marriages thrive despite their challenges, while other ones that seem to have all the “features” needed struggle.

It’s about how the person makes you feel, not just the checklist of qualities they possess.

So, while you may be proud of all your great qualities as a partner, remember to back them up by providing an experience that makes your partner want to be with you.

It’s about being attentive, loving, and making them feel cherished.

Make sure you’re ticking all the right boxes to ensure your partner feels heard, appreciated, and secure.

And do it so well that they forget the small issues and flaws because the value of what you bring and the way you make them feel outshines everything else.

When you create a loving, positive experience for your partner, it becomes easy for them to let go of your small faults and to project your value to their world, and even to the world at large.

Just like iOS users proudly flaunt their love for Apple, your partner will be proud to share their love for you, not because you’re perfect, but because you make them feel like they’re the most special person in the world.

With these few points of mine, I believe I’ve convinced you to stop the debate about iOS and Android and… Never mind, do whatever you like with your money.

3. Consistency Beats Flashy Launches

There’s always a buzz around product launches. Think of the big, flashy campaigns with the music, the hype, the countdowns, and the extravagant promises.

Digital products often go all out during their launches, and it’s exciting to see.

But you know what? After the confetti falls, and the music fades, what keeps users coming back isn’t all that glamour.

It’s the consistent experience afterward, from the updates, the customer support, and the genuine value the product delivers.

A flashy launch is great, but without substance, it falls flat. Relationships are exactly like that.

The grand gestures, the big declarations of love, and the fancy dates are all fantastic, don’t get me wrong.

But what makes a relationship truly thrive isn’t those one-time, grand moments but the little things that happen every single day.

It’s checking in with your partner after a long day, the quiet “good mornings,” remembering their favorite takeout order on a busy night, and always showing up when it matters. Consistency is what keeps love alive.

I’ve been a part of a few product launches where everything was fireworks and glitter, big promises, and big dreams. But after the launch, the real work starts.

It’s when users truly get to know the product, what it could do for them, and whether it is worth their time and trust.

The launch is the easy part, really. It’s exciting, it’s fun, and everyone’s in love with the idea of the product.

But afterward? That’s when the users get to see if the product lives up to its promises. Is it dependable, helpful, and something they want to keep around?

And it’s just like that in love where your partner is the user, in a sense.

After the fireworks of the first dates and the big declarations, they start to see who you really are in the everyday moments.

Are you there when they need you? Do you keep your promises? Do you add joy, comfort, and support to their life?

The grand gestures are nice, but the daily actions are what show your value.

Here’s the funny part: when the initial buzz fades, a lot of people think, “Oh no, the spark is gone!” But the truth is, real love isn’t about keeping that “launch energy” alive forever.

It’s about building something steady and meaningful over time.

It’s about finding joy in the mundane, about creating a routine that feels like a warm blanket.

In love, consistency beats everything.

The ones who stay consistent are the ones who create lasting love, listen even after the excitement has worn off, and care even when it’s not convenient.

Since a digital product wins loyalty by consistently delivering on its promise, you need to do the same in a relationship.

Want a thriving partnership? Don’t just focus on the initial wow factor but on the day-to-day.

Show up when your partner least expects it but needs it most. Be there for the little things.

Love isn’t about keeping up with a flashy launch; it’s about staying true long after the glitter has settled.

And let’s face it: a flashy launch without anything to back it up is forgettable, but someone who keeps showing up, day in and day out, who builds trust and delivers, is unforgettable. You can be that person.

4. User Feedback Shapes Products

Beyond the initial acceptance of AI that we are all gradually accepting, the continuous progress it’s making today is largely thanks to user feedback.

The same goes for every beautifully designed app, every smooth user experience, and everything you love online.

Big corporations know this well, that they go to great lengths to encourage user feedback, often incentivizing it.

“Fill out this survey to tell us how you feel about us, and get rewarded for it!”

The more detailed and honest the feedback is, the better chance a product has to improve, especially when the user is truthful and the product owner commits to genuinely bettering the experience.

User feedback is like the fuel that drives a product forward.

It’s what helps creators understand what’s working and what’s not, and how they can adapt to meet users’ needs better.

This process of feedback and growth isn’t just for apps and tech companies but a major key to relationships as well.

In relationships, your partner’s feelings and needs are the equivalent of “user feedback.” It’s valuable insight if your partner is sharing how they feel, what they like, and what’s not working for them.

It’s the guidebook for how you can grow as a partner, and how you can make your relationship even better.

But just like products, it’s not enough for the feedback to exist. You have to do something with it.

When someone tells you how they’re feeling or what they need, you have to listen and commit to making changes.

The beauty of feedback is that it brings the opportunity for growth.

Imagine if every company ignored user feedback. Products would be frustrating to use, glitches would go unfixed, and users would eventually walk away. Relationships work the same way.

If your partner opens up about something bothering them, and you dismiss it, or if you’re unwilling to adapt, that issue doesn’t just go away. It builds resentment.

But when you treat that feedback with care, when you value it and make an effort to improve, it strengthens the relationship.

The truth is, the best relationships are built not on perfection, but on the willingness to grow.

In the same way a product improves with each update based on user input, a relationship improves with honest conversations, openness, and commitment to change.

If your partner gives you “feedback,” it means they care enough to want to see things grow. It’s an opportunity to become better together.

So, take those moments of feedback not as criticism, but as a gift.

Just like in the tech world, when the user is truthful and the partner commits to change, the experience becomes richer and more fulfilling.

That’s how you create something worth keeping, whether it’s a product or a loving relationship.

5. Not Every User Is Your Customer

As I write this post, I remember one of our products listed on a popular marketplace.

It’s one of those things that you just know is better: more functional, well-designed, and thoughtfully crafted. And yet, some users still prefer the competitor’s product.

I can’t lie; it’s a bit frustrating.

You start thinking, “How are people not seeing the clear advantages here?” But that’s the reality.

No matter how amazing your product is, it won’t be the perfect fit for everyone, and that’s okay.

It’s not about convincing every single person but finding those who see the value and truly connect with what you offer.

No digital product is meant for everyone, and not every person will be your ideal user.

Some people are just going to vibe with something different, and trying to win everyone over is exhausting and pointless.

You have to learn that you can be the best in every measurable way and still not be the one for some users.

And that’s where it gets interesting because it’s a reminder that personal preference plays a huge role.

The same is true in relationships: not every person you meet is going to be the right match for you, even if on paper, you seem like the best choice.

There’s beauty in recognizing that you don’t have to force a connection with everyone.

Sometimes, two people just don’t click, even when both of them are wonderful in their own ways. And that’s okay.

It’s not about being perfect for everyone—it’s about finding the one person who sees your value, loves your quirks, and appreciates what you bring to the table.

Think of it like niche marketing.

In the world of digital products, niche marketing is about focusing on a very specific group of people who need exactly what you’re offering.

In relationships, it’s about finding that one person whose needs align with what you’re naturally able to give, whose values match yours, and who loves you for who you are without trying to change you.

The key is to not lose yourself trying to appeal to everyone.

You could drive yourself crazy trying to “outdo” the competitor in every possible way, or you could spend that energy improving what you already have and finding the people who love it.

In love, you could spend time bending and shifting to try to appeal to every person you meet, or you could focus on being your true self and waiting for the person who just gets it.

There’s nothing wrong with not being everyone’s ideal match, from suitors to in-laws.

In fact, it’s beautiful when you find someone who doesn’t just choose you because they couldn’t find something better, but because you are exactly what they were looking for.

When it comes to relationships, just like products, there is no need to be everything to everyone.

The right person will see your value and want you just as you are.

6. Maintenance Is the Backbone of a Product

This part always gets me thinking. One of our products is a WordPress plugin.

Now, the WordPress ecosystem can be quite a headache, especially when your product is meant to connect and work seamlessly with others.

Imagine it as the tricky feeling of trying to dance gracefully while someone else keeps stepping on your toes.

This type of dependency often leads to unexpected instability because your product can sometimes inherit issues from other plugins.

Essentially, if one plugin breaks or changes, it can create a domino effect, making our plugin face issues too.

For us, it’s even more challenging because we support both plugins and page builders, which means double the potential for problems.

It’s like if you’re cooking in a kitchen with two other chefs, and you’re all using the same ingredients and tools.

If one chef starts using a different spice, or if one of them accidentally breaks a shared tool, it affects what everyone else is doing. It can be a real mess.

Similarly, in WordPress, the more other plugins and themes or page builders you try to work with, the more maintenance is required to keep everything stable and functioning properly.

There are times when users ask us to support certain third-party plugins.

And while we always value our customers, we often have to say no if we see that supporting another plugin could negatively affect the stability of our own.

We care deeply about providing a solid, reliable experience for all our users, and sometimes that means not taking on too much, even if it means rejecting individual requests.

This is just like relationships: the more things you add to your life or your relationship, whether through direct association, family, friends, work stress, or even external obligations, the more complicated maintenance becomes.

Every new attachment brings its own potential for friction.

Friends, family, colleagues, hobbies, and even social media all connect to your life in some way, and each connection can influence the health of your relationship.

It’s like the plugins in the WordPress ecosystem where the more interlinked everything is, the more careful you need to be to ensure things run smoothly.

In relationships, maintenance is all about nurturing your bond, keeping the connection strong, and managing the different elements that touch your lives.

Just like how we have to reject certain plugin requests to maintain stability, you sometimes need to say no to certain commitments or obligations in order to protect your relationship.

Sometimes, setting boundaries and choosing not to take on extra “attachments” is the best way to keep everything running smoothly and to make sure the core of your relationship remains stable and healthy.

The more attachments you have, the higher the “maintenance cost” becomes.

This isn’t to say that you should eliminate every other aspect of your life, but be mindful of how much you’re willing to take on.

For example, taking on an extra project at work might seem harmless, but if it starts to take away from quality time with your partner, then it becomes a “maintenance issue.”

The more you pile on, the more attention each thing demands, and the harder it becomes to keep everything balanced.

Your maintenance culture can be made or marred by what you choose to support in your life.

Just like in the world of WordPress plugins, the more elements you have to manage, the more chances there are for something to go wrong.

And if you want to limit the maintenance costs in your relationship? Reduce the unnecessary attachments.

Not every friend group needs your constant attention, not every work task deserves your energy after hours, and not every social media post needs a response.

Simplifying your life helps you focus more on the things that truly matter to keep your relationship healthy and thriving.

Think of it like a well-oiled machine: fewer parts mean fewer breakdowns.

The simpler and more direct you keep things, the easier it is to focus on what’s truly important, being present and committed in your relationship.

A streamlined life means more time for what matters, and less time stressing over what doesn’t.

7. Branding Is About Trust and Reputation

When you look at the world we live in today, you might argue that anything goes.

Anyone can wake up, announce to the world that they’re now a professional “couch potato analyst” (yes, that’s a thing now), and they’d get support from thousands of people on social media.

Anyone questioning their “credentials” might even get canceled.

We’ve seen this happen time and again, where people embrace the unconventional and are celebrated for it.

But while this works for the individual going viral, it’s a different story for big corporations. For them, the stakes are much higher.

Before a big corporation endorses or supports anything, it has to go through layers upon layers of scrutiny, such as meetings, risk assessments, focus groups, and more.

They do this because they’re not just people on the internet; they’re a brand. And for brands, reputation is everything.

They know that their identity can either propel them forward or bring everything crashing down.

This means there’s a fundamental choice for everyone: either you’re a commoner who rolls with anything and everything, or you become a brand.

And when it comes to being a brand, there are some things you must understand: people buy from brands they trust. And trust is the ultimate currency.

A strong brand makes promises and delivers on them time and again, building loyalty with its customers.

People don’t just choose Apple or Nike for the products; they choose them because of what those brands represent, the values they uphold, and the consistency they bring.

That trust isn’t built overnight; it’s earned through a series of reliable actions over time.

And that’s the same foundation that makes relationships work.

In love, your ‘brand’ is who you are: your character, your consistency, your values.

Are you the kind of person who makes promises and keeps them? Do your actions align with your words? Do you genuinely care for your partner and put in the work to make them feel supported and loved?

Just like customers return to a brand they know and trust, partners thrive in relationships where there’s an unbreakable sense of reliability.

You might have attractive qualities, but what keeps someone there isn’t just those qualities—it’s the trust that you build.

It’s about creating a safe space where they know they’re loved and valued.

If you want to be a strong “brand” in your relationship, you need to think like a brand.

Be mindful of your actions. Don’t make promises you can’t keep. Always aim to show your partner that they’re a priority.

Your words are your brand messaging, and your actions are your product.

If there’s a gap between the two, trust is broken, and rebuilding that can take a lot of time and effort.

The reality is, just as people choose to associate with brands that reflect who they are or what they aspire to be, your partner chooses to be with you because they trust in who you are and what you represent.

Being true, reliable, and consistent makes you the kind of “brand” that your partner would gladly endorse, not just to their friends, but to themselves, every single day.

Quiz: How Good a Product Owner Are You (In Love?)

Before you go, please attempt the quiz below to find out how well you’d handle love and relationships as if they were a digital product. Add up your points at the end for a fun result!

Key Takeaway: Building Love Like a Product

If there’s anything I’ve learned from managing digital products, it’s that relationships and love aren’t all that different from crafting a successful app or plugin.

Both require strategy, care, consistency, and a whole lot of updates.

Whether we’re talking about debugging a glitchy plugin or resolving an argument with your partner, maintenance is key.

Let’s face it: love without maintenance is like a product launch without follow-through: flashy at first, but destined to crash.

We need to see love as a constantly evolving experience, much like any good software.

Keep the user feedback flowing, keep iterating, and stay on top of your game.

Your partner is your “user,” and if you want them to stick around, you’ve got to make sure they’re getting the best user experience possible.

After all, nobody likes outdated software or an outdated relationship. Both deserve timely updates.

And don’t forget branding! In love, as in business, your reputation counts.

Be the person your partner trusts, someone they believe in, someone they can “subscribe” to for a lifetime of reliable experiences. No hidden bugs, no empty promises, just a smooth, secure connection that gets better with every version.

So, go ahead, take a page from the digital product playbook, and treat love as something worth investing in, refining, and always improving.

Because in the end, love might just be the most important product you’ll ever build. Mwah!