“8 Rules of Love” by Jay Shetty: Your New Workplace Survival Guide

(Spoiler: It’s Not Just for Romantics)

When I picked up “8 Rules of Love” by Jay Shetty, my mind was ready for a deep dive into the world of romantic relationships. However, halfway through the first chapter, something hit me — these rules of love? They could absolutely revolutionise the way we interact in the workplace. Yep, Shetty’s pearls of wisdom aren’t just for starry-eyed lovers. They apply to the office just as much as to the date night scene. So, buckle up! We’re about to turn Shetty’s guide into a workplace survival manual that could (maybe) make the Monday blues a little more bearable.

Rule 1: Let Love Flow (AKA: Let Kindness Flow in the Office)

Jay Shetty emphasizes the importance of letting love flow without holding back. Now, before you think I’m advocating for a The Office-level romantic escapade with Jim and Pam, hear me out. Letting kindness flow in the workplace means embracing compassion. Whether it’s offering to help your coworker who’s drowning in emails or just saying a genuine “good morning” to the grumpy IT guy — kindness can change the whole mood of your workspace. And, bonus: it can even get you those brownie points when performance review season rolls around.

Rule 2: Understand and Manage Expectations (Because, Guess What? Your Boss Can’t Read Minds)

In the world of romance, Shetty talks about how failed expectations can lead to heartache. Well, failed workplace expectations lead to deadlines that mysteriously turn into “urgent” tasks on Friday at 4:59 PM. To avoid these tragic moments, take a page from Jay’s book: communicate clearly, set realistic expectations, and don’t assume your team knows what you need or vice versa. This rule alone might just save you from passive-aggressive emails and unnecessary Zoom meetings.

Rule 3: Building Trust (The Holy Grail of Any Team)

Jay tells us that trust is the foundation of any successful relationship — and trust me, that’s true whether you’re talking about a marriage or a work team. In the workplace, trust means knowing your teammate has your back, won’t throw you under the bus, and actually knows what they’re doing (or can at least Google it fast enough to seem like they do). Without trust, your team becomes a group of disconnected individuals who’d rather fight over who microwaved fish in the breakroom than collaborate on a project.

To dive deeper into building trust in the workplace, check out this Forbes article on building trust in teams.

Rule 4: Let Go of Control (Not Every Office Drama Needs Your Cameo)

According to Shetty, part of being in a loving relationship is understanding you can’t control everything. Same goes for the workplace. Office drama happens. The project deadline changes (again). Someone steals your idea during a meeting. Instead of micromanaging or fuming about every little thing that goes wrong, learn to pick your battles and let go of control. You don’t have to attend every argument you’re invited to. Plus, nothing says “workplace zen” like the ability to rise above the chaos (cue: mental image of you as a majestic office Buddha).

If you’re curious about mindfulness in the workplace and how it can help you rise above chaos, explore this article on Mindfulness in the Workplace.

Rule 5: Create a Sacred Space (A Desk Plant Won’t Solve Everything, But It’s a Start)

Jay Shetty’s advice about creating a sacred space in relationships could be seen as carving out a space of calm in the workplace too. Whether it’s a quiet corner to focus or a digital space where you can escape the tyranny of Slack notifications for five minutes, your sanity at work depends on having somewhere to retreat. Throw in a zen desk plant or a soothing playlist, and you might actually survive until Friday.

Rule 6: Learn to Fight Fair (Or: How to Survive Office Conflict Without Becoming “That” Person)

Jay reminds us that disagreements are normal — but fighting fair is key. If you’re looking for workplace application, this rule is gold. Office conflicts are inevitable, whether it’s about who keeps taking all the good snacks or more serious disagreements on projects. Shetty’s advice? Stay calm, address the issue, and don’t let it get personal. No passive-aggressive post-it notes. No email CC bombs. Just a mature conversation where both sides are heard, and no one leaves plotting your demise.

For more conflict resolution tips, Psychology Today’s guide on conflict resolution is a great resource.

Rule 7: Give More Than You Take (Yes, Even When You Don’t Want To)

This rule may seem obvious in love, but it’s just as relevant at work. Be the person who offers to take on that extra task, even if it’s not in your job description. Jay Shetty reminds us that giving without keeping score strengthens relationships — and that includes professional ones. If you’re always looking for ways to contribute, people notice, and that goodwill comes back around when you need it most (like when you’re scrambling to finish a project at 2 AM).

Rule 8: Love Yourself First (AKA: Take Care of Yourself Before You Burn Out)

Self-love isn’t just a hashtag; it’s a real need, especially in the workplace. If you’re constantly giving all your energy to work and never recharging, you’re going to burn out faster than your computer when you forget to save a Word doc. Shetty’s final rule about self-love should be a reminder to all of us to take breaks, set boundaries, and stop working ourselves to death. A happier, more fulfilled you leads to better work — and fewer regrettable Monday meltdowns.

For some self-care inspiration, check out Jay Shetty’s podcast, On Purpose, which dives into topics like mindfulness, self-love, and balancing work with personal growth.

Wrapping It Up: Why Jay Shetty’s Love Rules Belong in Your Office

So, while Jay Shetty might not have written “8 Rules of Love” with your workplace in mind, I can’t help but think he accidentally created the ultimate guide to being a better coworker, team player, and human. Whether you’re trying to navigate office politics, build stronger team relationships, or just make it to Friday without losing your cool, these rules offer a little wisdom (and maybe a few laughs) along the way. After all, love — and work — isn’t always easy, but with Shetty’s rules, it’s definitely a lot more manageable.

Additional Resources

• Jay Shetty’s Website for more insights into his books, podcasts, and courses.
• 8 Rules of Love on Amazon to read the full book.
• Harvard Business Review on Managing Relationships at Work for professional development tips.
• Daniel Goleman on Emotional Intelligence to understand how emotional intelligence can improve workplace relationships.