Years ago, both my wife and I made the decision to become entrepreneurs.
During our time, the two of us have watched countless others pursue this path, some successful and some not. While we never got too involved with their personal lives, we did notice a recurring trend; their personal relationships never lasted long.
After she went to bed, I sat back and wondered why. How could people so laser-focused on getting what they want, continually struggle with their relationships?
Maybe it isn’t them?
13 Things to Know Before Dating An Entrepreneur
It can be tough to maintain a healthy and stable relationship with an entrepreneur. They’re always busy, going to unexpected meetings and taking unexpected phone calls. If a problem occurs, they’re the ones who need to fix it.
Hopefully this article will give you a little more insight as to just what you can expect before deciding to date an entrepreneur!
Here are 13 things that you need to know before dating an entrepreneur.
1. The last words they say before they go to bed won’t be “I love you”, they’ll be “regards”.
Entrepreneurs work tirelessly to promote their business and realize that not replying to an email could mean missing out on the next big deal.
If you are preparing for sleep and you tell them that you love them, don’t be upset if the respond to you with regards, best wishes, cheers, or respectfully. They can’t help it.
2. They eat when they can.
Stopping to eat and running a business are like oil and water; they don’t mix. If you prepare a nice meal, don’t take offense if either of these things happens:
- They eat it as quickly as they can
- An “I’ll be right down” turns into you eating alone while their dinner gets cold.
3. They analyze everything and wonder if it is worth their time.
No longer will you be able to suggest that they cut the grass or patch that hole in the wall. Their response will always be;
“Can I make more money doing what I am doing by paying someone else to do what you want me to do?”
Life becomes a numbers game and every penny counts.
4. The first time they meet your parents won’t be dinner, it will be a networking event.
There is a saying that floats around the entrepreneurial community that says;
“My network is my net worth.”
It’s best that you understand this now.
Every person you introduce them to, no matter who they are, will be treated as someone who could propel their business. As such, they will talk to them as if they are closing a deal.
Be prepared to explain this to your parents.
5. They sleep only when their body shuts down.
This one may seem stupid, however, that doesn’t change it.
My best advice is to get used to black eyes, untidy hair, a trail of coffee grinds that doesn’t end and wondering if they will ever come to bed. The answer to the latter is yes, but only if they can’t stay awake any longer.
A word of caution; this usually lands somewhere around 2 am.
6. They drink enormous amounts of coffee.
If you learned anything from the above point then you must realize that you will be on constant call to pick up more coffee when the supply looks as like it’s low.
Oh, and don’t bother giving them your good stuff. The more it tastes like tar, the better. Save the good stuff for Sunday morning breakfast (if they show up).
7. Unless there is an upcoming deadline, don’t’ ask what day it is.
An entrepreneur’s days blend into one another. I couldn’t tell you how many times I have had to ask what day it is.
Don’t think it is because an entrepreneur is too lazy to remember or that they can’t keep track of it. Unless there is something pressing coming up, everyday seems like Monday, which by the way, entrepreneurs love.
8. They will not be able to turn it off.
When you ask them what’s going on in life, the answer will always be about their business. You may want to know about their hobbies, interests and passions, and that’s fair. However, the answer to all of the above is their business. The sooner you understand this, the better.
9. They read about…business.
Undoubtedly you will stumble into their personal library.
Don’t be surprised to find only books about business, personal development and success stories. Entrepreneurs like Daniel Pink, Robin Sharma, Simon Sinek, Tony Robbins and people these sorts of authors.
Understand that there is no room for J.K. Rowling, Stephen King, John Grisham, or Danielle Steel. Oh, and don’t bother buying us any of these for Christmas. If you do, keep your receipt.
10. Get used to hearing, “I wonder if this is tax deductible.”
It is a fact of life that business owners are savvy individuals that understand how money works, be it personal finance, expenditures, or income taxes.
Aside from making money, the number one priority in their business is keeping money. This thought will trickle its way into every purchase you make and every purchase they make.
Accept it.
11. They have multiple credit cards.
Their credit cards have been strategically picked to optimize maximum benefits. While they look like a nice little rainbow inside their wallets, they are not to be played around with.
Each credit card is for something very particular and isn’t to be used haphazardly.
While, talking about credit cards, try to avoid the sentence, “Put it on the Visa.” You will most likely confuse the entrepreneur.
12. Every decision isn’t as important as you think.
In days past, I have watched people resort to using the “Magic 8-Ball” to answer questions such as
- Should I wear this?
- Does this day work for you?
- Can we go out for dinner tonight?
Don’t be surprised to find out that they have consulted with the modern age 8-Ball, Siri, for your questions.
Remember, some decisions are best when they don’t have to think about them.
13. The time with you is just as valuable as the time with the company.
This is the most important thing that you need to know.
Although they may be terrible at showing you just how valuable you are, or how much they like being with you, remember that you are just as important as their business.
And if they marry you, use this as validation for the above statement.
Summary
Here’s a quick recap on the 13 things you should know before dating an entrepreneur:
- The last words they say before they go to bed won’t be “I love you”, they’ll be “regards”.
- They eat when they can.
- They analyze everything and wonder if it is worth their time.
- The first time they meet your parents won’t be dinner, it will be a networking event.
- They sleep only when their body shuts down.
- They drink enormous amounts of coffee.
- Unless there is an upcoming deadline, don’t’ ask what day it is.
- They will not be able to turn it off.
- They read about… business.
- Get used to hearing, “I wonder if this is tax deductible.”
- They have multiple credit cards.
- Every decision isn’t as important as you think.
- The time with you is just as valuable as the time with the company.
