I'm a book editor, and my partner is a window cleaner. Not being rivals in our careers has worked in our favor.

Courtesy of Soulla Christodoulou

• Book editor Soulla Christodoulou works heads-down on her laptop while her partner cleans windows.
• He left school at 17, and she has a Master's. Their relationship thrives because they don't compete.
• His practical approach to his job taught her the importance of work/life balance to reduce stress.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Soulla Christodoulou. It has been edited for length and clarity.