Five Things to Know About Dating a Workaholic
What happens if your partner's work interferes with your relationship? These are the five realities of dating a workaholic. We also offer advice for recovering workaholics.
People are often dependent on work. People often become workaholics for the identity it provides. If they don't feel productive, their self-esteem and self-worth can drop. Many workaholics see work as a way of escaping from the unpleasant feelings they experience during downtime. Some workaholics may feel anxious or agitated on weekends or vacations. Sometimes, workaholics may feel euphoric or buzzed while at work.
Workaholics can feel anxious and distant when away from work for vacation or other reasons. They may even experience anxiety attacks and nervous breakdowns in some cases. Although it may seem reasonable to take a break from work and recharge, workaholics can feel tired, restless, and even incoherent on weekends and holidays.
They may not always be reliable. Workaholics can sometimes cancel plans for dinner or social engagements. They will often overbook their lives, making finding unexpected opportunities or problems challenging. They are also more focused on work than their relationships.
Although they may have different personalities, workaholics share many common traits. They each have their personality profiles. Psychologists say that the most common workaholic characteristics include:
- Perfectionism: This can manifest as high expectations for oneself, but it can also reflect on subordinates, spouses, and children. Workaholics can also view their performance as less than what they expect.
- Narcissism - Psychologists have discovered that many workaholics are narcissistic. They are also impatient and compulsive.
- Workaholics are also known for their neurotic tendencies and internal focus. They will often suffer from anxiety, depression, and self-consciousness. Although it may seem odd, workaholics frequently use work to manage their distress. Their minds race when they're not working. Their minds can't focus on the things bothering them when they are involved in a project.
It can be challenging for loved ones to feel important when someone's entire life revolves around work. They don't have to be discouraged. While some workaholics may not be worth the effort, others can make a positive change.
It is essential to express your feelings if your partner's work is causing problems in your relationship. Tell your partner that there is a problem. Also, please explain why you feel so unimportant because of their commitment to work. It would help if you were prepared to receive some defensive backlash. However, you must not escalate the situation to the point where it becomes a conflict. You can find ways to compromise so that your partner doesn't feel like they have to make every concession. You might consider counseling if the person is displaying underlying issues.
