What You Should Never Say When Dating an Entrepreneur
If you have had the chance to date an entrepreneur, then you already know that they are a special breed. They play different roles – from mad scientists, to investors, and even technology magicians (like Elon Musk).
They can be a bit of a handful in a relationship, but if you know how to speak their language and learn how to decode their behavior, you might just end up with a devoted and loving partner.
You Will Push Your Entrepreneur Date Away With These Lines
Entrepreneurs bring unique challenges to a relationship so you have to be sure that you are ready to conquer everything if you are serious about your business-minded love interest.
Communication can be testing, but one main key to jump over this hurdle successfully is by knowing how to translate your needs the right way.
1. “You’re working again?”
If your partner is running his own business, it’s natural for that business to take up much of his time. When a big emergency happens, your date’s going to get called in. You’re going to have to get used to it because it is never going to change.
Instead of questioning your significant other about how he spends his time, why not say, “When will your next break be, babe? Please let me know so I can help you relax.” This statement sounds more supportive and understanding to your partner’s efforts.
2. “Aren’t customers hard to find?”
This question may sound harmless to you, but it is like poison to your entrepreneur love interest. He has enough fears already, so you can keep your negativity to yourself. If you keep this up, you’re eventually going to lose your partner’s interest. Instead of saying something negative, maybe you can try, “I’ll spread the word about your business to friends and family. I love that you’re passionate about what you do.”
3. “I feel like you care more about your business than you do me.”
Let’s be clear, you are allowed to have these thoughts. You are allowed to feel like you are not given enough attention. If you reach a point where you feel neglected, it’s best to level with your partner and say, “I understand and appreciate that you work so hard, but I would also appreciate it if you can set aside time for me.” Then, you can just work out the kinks and reach a common ground.
4. “We can afford it. You make a lot!”
This may be true. Your enterpriser date may earn a whole lot, but it’s not advisable to seem like you’re not aware of how hard your partner had to work to get to earn this much. It’s an insensitive comment and it won’t fly right with your date.
If you want to ask for something, like a new bag, a vacation, or a new couch, you have to speak with grace and always express your sincere gratitude. Maybe you can say, “I would be really grateful if you agreed that we can purchase it. It’s very important for me.”
5. “Why can’t you just relax?”
If this line always goes through your mind, it’s likely that you have no idea how stressful running a business can be. One can’t just relax in a snap of a finger. Of course, you want your partner to de-stress from time to time, so the best line would be, “What can I do to help you relax?”
6. “Don’t tell me that you’re going to invest in your business again!”
You have to understand the mind of a business person. Most likely, they have invested everything that they have to see their business become a success. Your partner will do what he can to see his business take off, even if it means investing every last penny into it.
What you need to do is to gain a better perspective. Ask your date, “Can you help me understand why investing more is helpful to your business and to us?”
7. “You need to go off your phone!”
Remember, your partner is basically on-call. He is the head honcho so whenever there is an emergency, he will be expected to show up and fix the problem. Again, you have to get used to it.
Be supportive, but if you want your own time with him, you have to rephrase this statement. “I know that you need to be available via your phone all the time, but it would make me happy to keep your phone usage to a minimum so we can spend quality time together.”
Are you truly ready for this? Remember that dating an entrepreneur should not be so you can live a certain lifestyle. You’re dating one because you are truly interested in the person. It’s understandable to want your own time with him, but always remember to negotiate and meet him half way so your relationship or dating life will last.