The best way to know what your Entrepreneur partner needs from you is to ask. However, there are times when he or she may not be available or maybe your partner thinks you should already know and won’t tell you. Then there are those moments when maybe you’re still learning each other and you’re not sure exactly what you should ask. There are tons of articles available on what to do “theoretically” to support your partner, but I’m writing from a practical standpoint that can be implemented immediately for immediate results.
Entrepreneurs can have an air about themselves which can make them come across as aloof, intriguing, closed off and shrewd with no time for “stupid” questions. Whether this is truly the case there are some things you can do which will be appreciated in the long run.
On the surface, every Entrepreneur can benefit from someone who can help them keep life at home balanced and organized, and their personal schedules in tact. However, there is another need far greater than someone pitching in to do the dirty work so to speak.
Supportive Partner
In general, Entrepreneurs are looking for a supportive partner who is secure and able to be alone when times call for him to be alone. Entrepreneurs tend to keep excessively long hours, especially in the building and expansion phases of the business. Thus, it behooves them to come home to a calm and peaceful house with minimal issues which can be fixed fairly quickly. Here is where you can add value to his or her lifestyle. Give your partner the peace of mind knowing you can handle life with them being away and not readily available or able to give you guidance or an opinion. When he is away, keep sticky notes of short and to the point things you need to have addressed so that once he decompresses after a long day, he isn’t bombarded with the activities of home life. Establish a ritual with him and find out how he wants to be approached for handling things that occur while he’s away.
Trusted Partner
Entrepreneurs also value having a partner who can be trusted with his life, money and home, and is faithful to him in his absence. See, there will be times when loneliness tries to creep in and as your partner is creating a life for both of you to enjoy, there may be others who will try to steer you away from the him by taunting you for being lonely and trying to change your mind about being faithful. Perhaps you’re not easily lead astray but boredom can wreak havoc on your relationship, too and cause the same outcomes should someone else get your attention. You may be tempted to seek outside pleasures for temporary satisfaction but it’s NOT worth it. The best way to avoid this situation is to distance yourself from people and places in which you know do not hold your best interest and also keep in mind this is only temporary and things will pass if you don’t give in. When you can keep your Entrepreneur’s heart safe, trust that he will build a bigger and better empire because you inspire him to be greater.
Non-Manipulative Partner
One of the things Entrepreneurs tend to find annoying are manipulative people, especially if it comes from the person they are building a life with or spending time with. Your Entrepreneur partner isn’t going to be interested in playing “Blues Clues” with you to determine how you’re feeling and what you need. So when times arise and you are having a difficult time or just need her to listen, tell her how you fee without the emotional outburst. When you are able state what you need in a clear and concise way, it shows your partner that you are emotionally mature. You’ll also have a better time being heard and actions corrected vs. just listened to and things staying the same.
Season Your Words With Salt and Honey
Did you know that how you talk to your partner greatly affects how he sees you, how he feels about you and it can affect his ability to perform in his business at the highest level? And did you know that any form of constantly complaining without specifically pointing out what’s bothering you is a form of nagging? Yes, many entrepreneurs can be seemingly unbothered but they still have feelings and want to be considered. When you become frustrated at the long hours, re-scheduled romantic dates or missed family events, pay attention to how you speak to your partner. Use kind words and let kindness reflect in your voice tones. Complaining and throwing temper tantrums will only ensure your partner finds a way to stay conveniently busy (most likely by working late to avoid the nagging.)
Being Appreciative
Overall, Entrepreneurs have a great deal of respect for their partners when he or she can genuinely appreciate the long hours that it takes to build and expand businesses. They are in the world fighting battles on a daily basis against those who could care less if they succeed or not. This their life’s work and for some this is their lively hood and the legacies they are building for you and their children.
When you can be the partner he or she eagerly and willingly comes you will have a greater chance of reaping the rewards by simply knowing what your partner needs of you.
Here are some things you can do immediately to change your relationship towards becoming the best relationship you’ve ever had.
– Establish a routine between the two of you in which you both know it’s your standing time for bringing him up to speed, going on dates and connecting with each other.
– Keep a small concise list of things for your partner to look at when he comes home but AFTER he’s had time to wind down from the day. Place the most important things at the top of the list.
– Keep your partner’s heart safe and create peace. Never give your partner a reason to think you can’t be trusted. Watch the company you keep and keep the home safe.
– Avoid manipulation at all cost. State clearly what you need and without the temper tantrums and emotional outbursts, if you want to be heard and actions put into place to give you what you want.
– Be kind when you talk to your partner. Things will happen and you may get annoyed at times, but be a place of peace and comfort for your partner.
– Be appreciative. Show it in your actions and your words. Your warm words of understanding and keeping the chaos and tantrums to a minimum will ensure you a better chance at having a great relationship with possibly someone who can be or is the love of your life.
