Can you run a successful business and remain married?

If you’re a business owner it can be difficult finding time to meet new people on the dating scene, maintain relationships, or stay happily married. As most couples in metropolitan areas seek divorce as a solution to money related challenges, it’s important to address and identify ways to remain happy, watch your business prosper, and use business ownership as a vehicle to get the most from life and enjoy marriage.

Business owners often have high expectations when it comes to getting the most from their employees, vendors, and associates. When it comes to relationships having the same business mentality with respect to "expectations", often works adversely. When your mind is on business all the time it’s sometimes hard to come out of that mentality especially when trying to meet new people.

Some business owners are notorious for putting romantic relationships after business and intentionally avoiding love until business goals have been achieved. Over time it may be difficult to change goal setting habits; failures in business may occur along the way, and the possibility of overlooking a great relationship that may have prospered into a happy marriage remains.

Owning a successful business that experiences growth can be an exhilarating time. During rapid periods of expansion, business owners may enjoy the fruits of their labor as positive financial changes exist with the influx of income. Defining yourself after obtaining wealth and power often leads to attracting partners only interested in your success and fortune. You don’t have to be a celebrity to have multiple divorces. As the media loves to cover high-profile gossip, the reason why relationships and marriages end in divorce usually revolves around money.

Weddings can be an exorbitant expense, especially in New York City. Some successful business owners dream of their wedding day as the pinnacle of their success and a lavish party for friends, family, and business associates to enjoy. As television has glamorized this type of behavior, it’s no surprise why relationships based on money can go downhill quickly. There’s nothing wrong sharing a martial life that’s full of wealth, love, and defining moments, but basing life around the success (or failure) of one’s business career is like building home out of a deck of playing cards.

It’s important for couples to set realistic expectations if there is a business involved in the relationship. Having open and honest communication is critical when starting or capitalizing a new business, taking on business partners or outside investors, projecting income, and planning an exit strategy. A tremendous amount of time needs to be dedicated to ensuring that business visions become realities. It’s imperative that love and support is present from both parties, emotionally and financially.

An equal balance of conversation related to business and other topics is vital. Maintaining a relationship with someone that is always talking about business can become irritating and be viewed as self-centered. Regardless of intentions, carrying a relationship on with a partner or spouse that never shares details related to business can come across as shady, disreputable, or even unfaithful.

If your partner or spouse shows signs of basing the marriage or relationship entirely around the business, speak up! Awareness is the first step to behavioral change. A balance of communication related to business happenings, insights on unrelated topics and modern culture, and setting aside time for "romantic experiences" is necessary for developing a successful business and a marriage that’s full of pleasant surprises and fulfillment.