The introduction of texts, emails, apps and smart devices have created a world where we can all be connected 24/7. This technology has also allowed people to be able to work all the time, whether they are in the office or not. While some people find this overwhelming, workaholics have never been so pleased. They now have an unlimited drip of work coming in at all times.
The problem is dating and obsessively checking your work emails do not go well together. A workaholic infused with smart devices and work enabling apps can be toxic concoction when it comes to finding a great partner to date and/or eventually marriage.
If you are a workaholic who is trying to find a relationship but seem to be always messing it up, here is how you need to think about, date as though it is your job. Take those strong professional skills and transfer them to your dating life. Here are 4 ways to improve your dating life by using the skills you already have.
Prepare
If you answer a ONE work email or call on a first date, it could be forgiven. If you answer numerous it probably won’t. You have to avoid you phone or smart device all together when on a date, especially a first date.
Much like your job dating goes much smoother when you are prepared. If you are getting ready to go on a date make sure you have all your emails for the day wrapped up. Also if needed let people in your office now that you will be unavailable for a few hours. You could even put on an auto response on your email stating that will reply to all emails tomorrow as you currently have limited access to email. Lastly, turn off all devices in order to avoid the temptation.
A workaholic infused with smart devices and work enabling apps can be toxic concoction when it comes to finding a great partner to date and/or eventually marriage.
Schedule
Timing is everything when it comes to dating. When planning to take some out a date, schedule the date for a time when you are in a work lull. For example if you are an accountant do not schedule a date at year end. You will be busy and most likely expected to take phone calls around the clock. Plus your head will probably be in work mode and it may be hard to shut that off and provide your date with your full attention. Or maybe you are an account manager and looking to close a big deal; this is a horrible time to schedule a first date as you will be anticipating a call and trying to refrain from looking at your phone will feel like torture. Wait till the deal has been closed. You want to give your full attention to your new romantic partner and distraction can be considered rude and potentially ruin the chance of future dates.
Be Upfront
Most business relationship work best when both partners are honest and upfront about their situations. Dating is no different. Being honest to your partner or potential partner and explaining that you are too busy with work can actually be seen as a positive if you work it right. Remember people are attracted to hard work and dedication.
Give specifics about what you are working on and why you are so busy, this allows the person to feel in the know and included in your life. Rather than a blunt statement like- I am working or busy with work. Once work quiets down commit to doing something special, this will go over much better than you squeezing in a date during a hectic period and completely ignoring them.
Creating a better balance between your work and your romantic life is not only important it is necessary if you are searching for a meaningful relationship.
Monitor
One of the best ways to become better at any habit or character trait you are looking to acquire is by monitoring your behavior. Monitoring can also be used in dating and really help increase your dating skills. Every time you go on a date monitor how many times you check your phone or reply to a work email. This process will do two things; firstly it will make you more aware of your working habits and secondly it will give you hard data to work with. You may discover that you checked your phone 30 times in the run of two hours. No wonder your dating life is in a slum! Once you have the facts you will be more likely to resist work temptations while you are spending time with a romantic partner.
Technology has awarded us many luxuries, like working from a cozy bed on a cold winter’s day. Unfortunately too much can quickly sour the whole batch. Creating a better balance between your work and your romantic life is not only important it is necessary if you are searching for a meaningful relationship. If you take on dating like you would do with a work assignment there is no doubt you will be successful.
