How To Date Successfully As A High-Achieving Professional
You may have a CV that’s full of household-name employers, with some amazing projects under your belt, and you may have led teams of people to success in some big-money deals and contracts. You might be used to striving hard and setting goals to achieve what you want at work. However, in terms of love and relationships, it might be a different story. If that seems to be the case for you, with all your friends apparently blissfully coupled up, marrying and/or reproducing, you’re not alone. You may also be feeling disillusioned by dating apps, which can start to feel jaded and hollow after a while.
The reality is that dating can feel harder as a high achiever. It can be a challenge even to find the time to go on a date or even chat to someone online if your job seemingly takes up every second of the day. Then, when you do meet someone, you have to make the time to nurture a fledgling relationship. Dates that get cancelled at short notice because you have to pull an all-nighter, for example, won’t go down well.
So you need to meet someone who understands that your work is a priority, and who doesn’t feel intimidated by your career. What’s more, you have high standards in everything you do, and don’t compromise in your professional life, so why should you in your romantic one?
Additionally, those who are used to being successful at work may fear being rejected by dates. You may also worry that some potential dates might harbour negative stereotypes about ambitious, high-achieving people.
Here’s how to navigate the world of dating as a high flier:
1.) Avoid power struggles and intimidations
Either date a fellow high achiever or recognise that some may feel slightly intimidated by your career. By communicating honestly and openly at all times, and respecting boundaries, you keep potential power struggles at bay. Active listening is also obviously important.
2.) Know how to attract the right kind of partner
The first step is to understand your needs and what you’re looking for in a relationship. Think about what’s important to you, and your core values. Equally, when you know who you are, this stops you trying to be someone you’re not just to fit into a mould. Once you’ve got your head around these matters, it should be much easier to achieve what you want in a meaningful relationship.
3.) Appreciate the importance of emotional intelligence
Emotional intelligence is the ability to use, understand and manage your own emotions positively in the interests of stress reduction, effective communication and empathy. It can also help you diffuse conflict and overcome challenges. It’s important in relationships because it also helps you recognise and respond to others’ feelings. This in turns builds trust and forges stronger, healthier connections.
4.) Compatibility beyond career success
You may think that the best relationships are between those who are identical, but that’s not what compatibility is about. It’s about two people balancing each other out with teamwork rather than competition. In many ways, work success is about being competitive. But the best couples bring out the best in each other rather than trying to prove who is the most successful.
5.) What’s stopping you from getting what you want?
It’s worth considering the barriers you’re experiencing to a loving relationship. Are you scared of getting hurt? Or wasting time? Afraid of making the ‘wrong’ choice? Spend some time thinking about this – what you come up with could be revealing.
6.) How will you achieve a healthy balance?
We all want a healthy balance between our working and romantic lives and everything else, whether that’s kids, families or hobbies. Take a close look at your schedule and see where you can adjust priorities as necessary. Talk regularly to your partner about how you’re feeling and how you think you’re doing in terms of work-life balance, and check in with them regularly on their own emotions. Equally, make a conscious effort to schedule date nights, even if that means delegating at work or saying no. Structure your day to make time for both professional and personal activities.
Finally, look after yourself in all the usual ways, from getting enough sleep to eating well and exercising enough, to enjoy a balanced lifestyle.
Berkeley International: having the right support in place
It’s also important to have the right support in place. After all, fitness fans have personal trainers, at work you may have a business mentor – so what about relationships? Berkeley International is an elite matchmaking service operating across global borders. We fully understand the pressures and challenges high-flying professionals face, and offer a professional bespoke introduction service. As such, we don’t do endless photos and member biographies – but we do do confidentiality, discretion and exclusive introductions.
Take control of your future happiness and enquire today. After a confidential consultation, we’ll recommend a suitable tailormade package, complete with bespoke fees.
