by Erin Tillman

Supportive Men of Successful Women. When a woman hits a certain level of success, it’s inevitable that some men will find her intimidating. Sometimes men can’t grasp the concept of earning less money than a woman. While there are men that find successful women intimidating, there are also men that prefer dating a successful woman because they are confident, intelligent, and go after what they want in life.

I dated a guy for almost a year that was very competitive with me in terms of my career. sWe worked in the same freelance industry, but not on the same jobs. I was getting hired more often than he was and when I’d tell him about one of my new jobs, he’d simply mutter “That’s great,” and change the subject. He would even go as far as to take digs at me or make fun of me, then justify it by saying he was ‘just teasing’. Our relationship had a lot of strengths, but it was not supportive, which is extremely important. Rather than letting him continue the process of lowering my self-esteem, I decided that I couldn’t be with someone that made me feel guilty for being successful.

The following is list of 10 things that could indicate that your guy is on his way to being a supportive partner. He’s a catch, if he has displayed 5 or more of these behaviors:

1. He tells you he’s proud of you
2. He buys you flowers or gives you a card to say congratulations on a recent accomplishment
3. He boasts to others about your business and how awesome it’s doing
4. He values your opinion
5. He comes to you for advice when faced with a tough decision
6. He waits to have a late dinner with you even when you have to stay late at the office
7. He likes it when you take the lead and plan a date night
8. He does something nice for you if you’re having a tough time (ie. schedules a massage for you, runs you a hot bath, plans a surprise weekend getaway, etc.)
9. He offers to help you, and follows through with that help
10. He supports your career decisions and believes in your success!

Being an entrepreneurial woman is a huge accomplishment and our work is extremely important to us. We get a great sense of pride in our careers and it is a big part of who we are. A healthy relationship is one where you support, encourage, and are proud of each other. The last thing we need is a mate that picks fights with us, makes fun of our success, or makes us feel small to make himself feel big. Even though we are able to support ourselves financially, we all need someone who lends emotional support. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals, especially when it comes to the men in your life. You wouldn’t welcome someone that is un-supportive into your business, so why wouldn’t the same rules apply to your partner? Just remember, your partner should make your already fabulous life just that much more fabulous!

THE DATING ADVICE GIRL, Erin Tillman, is a freelance writer and host living in Los Angeles, California. She’s a single girl ‘in the field’ who keeps a positive and realistic attitude in regards to men and dating. Erin has had a variety of relationships with men ranging from friendship to exclusive partnership in both the states and internationally. Erin is the author or the upcoming book The Dating Advice Girl’s Guide to Dating, a how-to guide that helps singles survive the first 6 months of new relationships. Find out more, www.TheDatingAdviceGirl.com

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