By Maggie Manfredi
There are multiple common sayings when it comes to the relationships and love: “love is a two way street,” “what’s mine is yours;” and “love is patient; love is kind.” But, what happens when your main man is stagnant and jobless? Are you expected to do all the heavy lifting? How do you know how to approach the topic with sensitivity, honesty and love?
Cupid believes that you have every right to confront your jobless boyfriend. In fact, we have some valuable dating advice to help you navigate through this tough situation.
1. Talk it through: First things first, talk to your partner. One of the main reasons to be in a relationship and love is to have that person you can talk to and that you trust. Be brave, but not brash when you move to bring up your boyfriend’s jobless status. Ask questions that will help him to open up. For example, ask, “If you could have any job in the world, what would it be?” Or, “What and who inspires you?” Not only will you learn more about your beau, but this might open their eyes to different career paths that they had not thought of before. Help them visualize an opportunity, and then you can take the steps toward making it a reality together.
2. Motivate and keep moving: The hardest thing about being unemployed is finding the motivation to get up and apply to jobs, and it can be hard to watch someone you love not able to take initiative in the situation. This is especially true if you are taking care of your man and providing for the both of you. Consider this love advice, and make sure you are supporting him in his quest for employment by not letting him sit and complain all day. Remind him to be proactive in a tactful way. A man with dreams is sexy, and a man with a job? … Also very sexy.
Related Link: Relationship Advice: How To Keep The Spark in Your Relationship After Valentine’s Day
3. Work and play hard: If your guy is totally comfortable sitting on your couch and not contributing to your relationship and love, then maybe it’s time to hit the town with your ladies. Happy hour is made for the working girl, so take full advantage. However, if your jobless boyfriend is making an effort to find work and do right by your relationship, then make sure you are both going out and enjoying life together. It is easy to let the stress of bills, careers and aging get in the way of having a good time. Make sure to continue scheduling date nights to keep the spark alive.
4. Be patient and kind: Life is a wild ride with bumps and road blocks. You and your partner need to feel love, especially if he has been laid off or is struggling to find something to be passionate about. Be patient if they are doing some soul searching, and when they face rejection, be kind and understanding. There’s no doubt that the road will not be perfectly paved, and as their partner, it’s important to be there as they try to navigate.
Related Link: Relationship Advice: 5 Basic Workouts To Do With Your Partner
5. No excuses: Cupid wants to make one thing perfectly clear: DO NOT MAKE EXCUSES FOR LAZINESS. A lazy partner now will be a lazy partner in the future, and this is not an ideal attribute in your soul mate. Everyone is allowed to make mistakes and to be unsure; but if your partner comes across a problem and doesn’t want to solve it, then they might not be the best fit in a partner after all.
Work hard at your job, and work hard at your relationship. Your jobless boyfriend might need a little help to change his title, but with a little patience and a lot of love, you may see him make something of himself. Don’t let him couch surf any longer, and if he makes excuses, it might be time to excuse yourself from the relationship.
Have a different perspective on this relationship scenario? Share with us below!
