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It’s no secret that a healthy and thriving relationship is born out of many factors, including (but not limited to) good communication, trust, respect, and love – all of which needs to mutually go both ways, of course.
But in an age where more and more ambitious and independent women are starting businesses or “side-hustles”, what can men do as partners to help and support their other-half?
You see, these types of women are defying the norm and breaking out of the more traditional gender expectations of eras gone by. Unlike the past, no longer are the majority of women dropping out of school to start a family (and therefore leaving the career, business or bread-winning prospects solely to the men). In fact, today, statistics show that women are more educated than men are! (reference)
So in a heterosexual relationship where the man and the woman are treated as equal – and therefore support one another’s goals and dreams equally – what is needed to help your business woman thrive and succeed in her endeavors while maintaining a healthy relationship?
Here are 5 things that men can do to help and support their special businesswomen:
1 – Personal and professional communication
Communication is, of course, paramount to any healthy relationship, but when it comes to supporting a businesswoman, sometimes it’s not enough to just ask her about her day. Talk to her about how she is doing and ask about her needs – all of them – personally, professionally, mentally and emotionally. Have intellectual conversations around what is going on in her business, her goals, and visions.
2- Support and love
Although a strong, ambitious, independent woman relishes the ability to take care of herself and thrive on her own (whether in a relationship or not), it’s important to remember that she still needs enough support and love in order to flourish. We may be tough, but deep down we still have the same human need and desire for companionship and belonging.
3 – Respect her purpose and journey
Being each other’s number one “cheerleader” is important in a relationship, and it stands even more so when you’re talking about a woman on a mission to build her business! Celebrate her achievements and remember that her journey is just as important as your own – and the fact that her business is most definitely her baby (whether she has actual children or not!).
4 – Freedom and independence
A strong independent businesswoman loves just that – her independence! She loves you, but don’t be alarmed when she wants space and time to do her own thing. Remember to give her space to work and build her empire. She will not be available at every waking hour of the day, but it will make your time together even more so special when you do come together.
5 – Remember to nurture your relationship
At the end of the day, remember that a relationship is always a continuous work in progress (whether one of you has a business or not!), so remember to have date nights, give each other gifts, send the odd text to check-in with them and spend quality time together. Just because one or both of you go against the traditional societal grain doesn’t mean that traditional aspects of dating and being a in a relationship don’t apply anymore.
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Thanks for these tips, they are very good, and I hope they help many men!