Love can be complicated no matter who you are. But for those individuals who have a more emotional nature, navigating relationships can be its own special challenge. No one knows this better than someone who is “Type A.”
It’s important to note that character profiles are hardly definitive, according to research. However, dubious science aside, there are plenty of people who still identify with the characteristics typical of Type A behavior. And there’s a lot more to them than their “uptight” or “intense” reputations ― especially when it comes to their connections with others.
Here are a few things to keep in mind if you’re in a relationship with a Type A personality.
Type As like plans.
Nothing drives Type A people crazy like ambiguity in their schedules. This is mostly due to their time sensitivity, or fear they're wasting time (don't even get them started on how they feel if they're running late). One of the greatest gifts you can give your beloved Type A is a solid plan.
It's pretty obvious if you make them nervous.
If you need to know if you're making an impression on a date with a Type A, it should be pretty easy to tell. Research shows Type A people tend to display nervous habits -- and they're pretty easy to spot. It could be hair twirling, foot tapping or some other outward fidgeting. That's endearing, right?
They're emotional.
Type A folks care -- a lot. Some people see this as being high strung, but more specifically, it's high levels of conscientiousness coming into play. That means that you'll likely see a ton of attentiveness and even a little sensitivity from the Type A person in your relationship.
They'll likely obsess over that argument.
Type A people are dwellers, so that fight you just had is probably going to weigh heavily on their minds. Research shows that Type As are prone to stress, which can keep them awake at night when they're ruminating on a mistake. This is perhaps one of their most challenging flaws, especially since worrying wreaks havoc on their health -- but it also inspires them to fix what's broken, so to speak.
They're determined to make their partnerships work.
"Success" is a Type A's middle name. As a goal-oriented individual, they dedicate themselves to whatever projects they set their minds to -- and that includes their relationships. There's no throwing in the towel here. If a Type A loves someone, a lot of effort will be put into making sure the relationship is failure-proof.
You may want to think twice before taking them mini golfing.
...Or any date that involves winning or losing, for that matter. Type As are notorious for being competitive, so it might be safer to pick an activity that's a little more neutral (at least in the beginning stages of the relationship). Otherwise, all is fair in love and keeping score.
That romantic vacation may be a little difficult for them at first.
Type A folks have a hard time relaxing, according to experts. That gorgeous getaway might feel a little uncomfortable for them at first because they're wired to feel like downtime is unproductive. It's often up to you to help show your beloved Type A how crucial this R&R time is for mental and physical health.
They don't care if you're not Type A.
Type A people behave the way they do because that's how they prefer to structure their lives -- they don't necessarily expect you to do the same. It doesn't matter if you're a Type B, an introvert or an alien. Love is love, it's as simple as that.
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