Making Betty Smile
Since becoming an adman my lifestyle hasn’t changed at all. I’m still working crazy hours, still loving what I do and still wishing I paid attention during those work-life balance lectures in 2nd year. Instead of taking what I would’ve learned during those lectures and applying it to my life; I’m flying by the seat of my pants.
One thing I’ve noticed is that no matter what Ad man you talk to, they all agree that keeping the lady happy is one of the biggest challenges when working crazy hours. I’ve found the same difficulty but have become pretty good at it as of late. Here are five ways to make sure that when you wake up, you aren’t waking up on the couch.
Cook Dinner
Surprise your lady with a home-cooked meal that she didn’t prepare. You don’t have to cook up a Red Pepper Halibut with a side of stuffed eggplant or anything. A chicken breast with roasted veggies and potatoes should do the trick. If you can’t cook without a recipe don’t be afraid to use google or even YouTube. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Finally, when you’re done the meal; clean it up. Don’t leave her the dishes and the headache. These few minutes of cleaning could save you several hours of damage control when it gets brought up 2 weeks later.
Double it up
Call up some one in your entourage or a good friend and set up a double date. Maybe you will all catch a movie together, maybe you will all swing by your place for a few drinks and a game of cards. Who knows! Either way, the night will be a success as long as you’re not inviting someone just to get brownie points in the office or with a client. Invite a couple whose company you and you’re lady friend will both enjoy. Not someone solely because there is a good chance that they can help get you up the corporate ladder. You do that on a good day.
Make Plans
One of the most effective ways of keeping a healthy and thriving relationship is spontaneity. If a relationship is boring and constantly the same over and over again, one of the parties are likely to become bored. Boredom shouldn’t be a word used when describing your relationship. Admen are constantly thinking of innovative, new and creative ways to serve our clients but we often forget about our Betty Drapers.
A spontaneous way of making her feel special is by making plans without her knowing. Of course, you will have to make sure that she isn’t busy that night and for that reason maybe you tell her in the morning to keep the evening free. When she’s off from work or when you get back from the office let her know that you have a night planned and reservations made at her favourite up-scale restaurant.
Flowers never fail
Many Admen will agree that flowers are one of the most ridiculous products to spend money on in the world. But what you’re really paying for isn’t the stem and pedals what you’re really paying for the piece of mind. A single rose could give you an entire night without arguments and a dozen of them guarantees you won’t be on the couch no matter how late you stroll in from the office.
Co-ed Sports
Most cities and towns have organized recreation leagues where you can participate in a variety of sports. Ranging from soft-ball to dodgeball; a sports league is a solid escape from the office when things are frantic. There’s nothing like running around the bases to find your lady smiling because you put a point on the board.
Not a sport person? Don’t sweat it. Join a dance club or something that gives you a chance to take the suit off and get your blood pumping. This is something that’s good for not only you’re relationship but also for your well being.
About the Author
Ross is a digital strategist and entrepreneur with a passion for technology, marketing and industry disruption. He's been featured in Forbes and currently runs a startup called dreamr which is striving to connect young professionals around the globe with unique social experiences. You can connect with him on Google+ and or Twitter
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