The Balanced Relationship Barometer by Michael Gabriel--An Interview

Hello, Michael. Thanks for this interview!  To start, will you please tell us a little bit about your current projects? 

I’m currently focused on trying to help people gain relationship awareness, and improve the odds from being a coin toss for having a healthy and fulfilling long term relationship.  I wrote a book, The Balanced Relationship Barometer, and had the companion mobile app Relationship Barometer developed, that help provide people with the understanding and tools to make this happen.  The premise behind them is “Love is Blind.  You Don’t Have to Be.”

When was the moment that you knew you had to be a writer?

After my divorce, as I was trying to understand how it happened and better guide my daughter to avoid a similar fate.  I was self-reflecting on whether there were dynamics in play that propelled the relationship forward when maybe it should have ended, or whether there were signs I could have seen, or things that could have been done.  As I started to write down notes, a structure took shape and evolved into something that I believed could be a book that could help people.

Who gave you the one piece of writing advice that sticks with you to this day?

Pamela Lane, my book consultant.  She told me to keep true to my goal and vision, and my unique perspective.

Describe the “perfect” hero. What about the “perfect” hero for you? 

I don’t believe in perfect heroes.  An imperfect hero is the most perfect for me, as we all have flaws and weaknesses. The pursuit to try and overcome, or deal with, those aspects is what makes all of us heroes in our own way.

What are some of your favorite pastimes? Do you have any hobbies or collections? 

I have a variety of interests, including yoga, working out, tennis, Kung Fu, occasional golf, trying to learn how to sail, learning Greek (my heritage), and learning to play the bouzouki (also a Greek instrument).  Spending time with my lovely daughter, and doing fun things with her or my family and friends, is what I get the most enjoyment from.

What has been your biggest adventure to date?

Spending a few months in Barcelona in support of the 1992 Summer Olympics when I was Director of Systems with NBC.

If your fairy godmother waved her wand and whisked you away to the location of your choice, which place would you choose, and why? 

Probably the Greek Island of Santorini.  I’ve been there a few times, and there’s something magical about the place, with amazing views from the top of the caldera, the remaining half rim of a volcano.  It is rumored to be the inspiration for the tale of the lost island of Atlantis, as there was a huge volcanic explosion that submerged part of the island a long time ago.

When it comes to food, are you the adventurous type who will try anything once, or do you prefer to stick to tried and true foods and recipes? 

I definitely won’t try anything once, and prefer to stick with food types I know I enjoy, but will get daring if it’s not too far a stretch. I definitely am not an Anthony Bourdain!

What is the one modern convenience that you cannot do without? What is this romance writer’s idea of the “ideal romantic evening”? 

I’d probably say air conditioning, unless there’s a nice ocean breeze.   My ideal romantic evening would be to have sunset drinks overlooking the ocean, and a nice dinner with great wine and conversation on or by the ocean… at least to start the evening. 🙂

How do you describe yourself? How would your family and friends describe you?

I am a paradox of needing consistency, as well as a desire for variety.  A bit of a contradiction for sure.  I think my friends would say that I am driven to continuously achieve and am a definite goofball.

What is your favorite comfort food?

Crawfish étouffée and then beignets from Café Dumonde in New Orleans.

What is your favorite season? What do you love about it? Summer.  

Simply put, I hate the cold and love the beach.

What project are you working on next?

Right now my focus remains on making my current endeavor successful and helpful to people.

Any place we can find you in person or on the net this month or next? 

I can always be contacted through my website, www.RelationshipBarometer.com, which also will show any upcoming planned appearances, as well as through our Relationship Barometer Facebook page.  My next interview is Friday, March 11th at 11AM PT, 2PM ET with Dr. Michelle Cohen on her radio talk show “On the Couch with Dr. Michelle” in Los Angeles.

About the author

Throughout Michael Gabriel’s senior executive leadership roles at HBO, NBC, the NBA and EMI Records Group, he is an innovator who solved complex challenges, an inventor on five media and entertainment technology patents, and a founding executive leader of the industry transforming HBO GO Internet initiative.

Now, this successful media and technology executive, and author of THE BALANCED RELATIONSHIP BAROMETER, applies his innovative business insights to the challenge of sustaining loving and successful relationships. The book, and its revolutionary free mobile app, the Relationship Barometer, can better enable people to achieve fulfilling and lasting partnerships customized to their specific needs—whether currently working at an existing relationship, or seeking a new one.  People track their fitness and financial health, so why not have an app that tracks the health of their relationship? It can help become more aware of “Gotta Have” and “Gotta Not Have” needs supporting their companionship goals.