Taming The Green-Eyed Monster: The Business Became The Mistress
Being married to an entrepreneur can be both rewarding and challenging. On one hand, you have the opportunity to support your spouse in their passion and potentially see their business thrive. On the other hand, you may feel like your spouse’s business takes up all of their time and attention, leaving you feeling neglected or like the business has become the mistress that gets the most and best while you get the leftovers.
If you are in this situation, it is important to remember that being an entrepreneur is hard work and requires a lot of dedication and focus. It is not uncommon for business owners to put in long hours and make sacrifices in order to make their business a success. However, it is also important for your spouse to make time for you and your relationship.
That being said, I feel it important to make a point in defense of Entrepreneurs. Unless they are just a bad person, they are not doing this to you on purpose. I invite you to take a step back and ask yourself these questions. Was my SO engrossed in their adventure prior to our relationship? If so, the signs were likely there that the business is their first passion, at least for this season of their lives. If you answer this question honestly, and you’re reasonably healthy yourself you have to acknowledge this truth and consider your options. One, continue to resent the h— out of your partner and drive them away. Two, recognize during the early infatuation phase of your relationship the signs were there, but you chose to ignore them. Three, come to terms with where they are with regards to the business and what they are currently able to give to your relationship and accept it without punishment or sabotage. Four, develop a team mentality and look for ways you can encourage & support. Five, leave the relationship and find a partner whose goals and choices are more in alignment with yours.
If the entrepreneurial adventure is something you were drafted into then read on. My hope is you find the following tips valuable. I’d love to hear from you if you have additional tips or strategies that have worked for you. Send them to me at [email protected]
- Communicate openly and honestly with your spouse. Let them know how you are feeling and the impact their business is having on your relationship.
- Set boundaries and make it easy for your spouse to respect them. Remember, they’re not your enemy. This could include setting aside designated time for the two of you to spend together or establishing agreed-upon and clear guidelines for how often they can work on their business during non-work hours.
- Develop a team mentality. If your SO is the quarterback, then how can you help to make sure the ball makes it downfield. Find ways to support your spouse in their business. If you are interested, consider finding ways to get involved in your spouse’s business. This could be in a formal role, such as becoming a partner or employee, or in a more informal way, such as being a listening ear when they need to talk about their business challenges.
- Take care of yourself. It is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of your spouse’s business, but it is important to make time for your own interests and hobbies. Make sure to prioritize your own well-being and seek support from friends and family if you need it.
- Explore an interest of your own. Take a class, and turn a passion into your own side hustle.
- Start a group for spouses of entrepreneurs in your area where you can give and receive mutual support.
- Find ways to stay connected. When your spouse is busy with their business, it can be easy to feel disconnected from them. Make an effort to stay connected by finding activities you can do together, even if it’s just a few minutes each day. You are stronger together, united in purpose and vision.
- Make your relationship a priority. It’s important to remember that your relationship with your spouse is the foundation of your family and should be a top priority. Make time for date nights, romantic gestures, and regular communication to keep your relationship strong.
- Be understanding and patient. Building a successful business takes time and requires a lot of hard work and dedication. Try to be understanding of the demands on your spouse’s time and be patient as they work to grow their business.
Overall, it is important to remember that being married to an entrepreneur requires a lot of understanding, patience, and support. By finding ways to connect with your spouse, setting boundaries, and taking care of your own needs, you can build a strong and healthy relationship with your entrepreneurial spouse.