This archive report was first published on 26 June 2020.
When Ambition Meets Complacency ¶
June 26, 2020
As a driven and ambitious woman, you may find yourself in a relationship with a partner who doesn't share your level of enthusiasm for life. This can lead to questions about whether your relationship can survive or if you're simply being too hard on your partner.
Take the story of Madam C.J. Walker, a successful entrepreneur who built a business empire in the early 20th century. Her husband, Joseph Walker, was a newspaper salesman who was comfortable with his life, but struggled to support his wife's ambitions. Their marriage ended in divorce, with Madam C.J. Walker citing the power struggles and lack of support from her husband as major factors.
Fast forward to the present day, and a woman recently took to a Facebook group to share her own struggles with a partner who wasn't as ambitious as she was. The response was overwhelming, with some advising her to leave the relationship and others suggesting that she stay and challenge her partner.
Relationship coach Chris Hart weighed in on the issue, noting that there's a big difference between being unambitious and being responsible. 'A woman needs a partner who works hard, earns enough to pay his way in the relationship, and uses money well,' he said. 'If he cannot be relied on to do that, then there is no point of going on with the relationship.'
However, Hart also noted that there are many successful and happy couples where one partner works hard at a 'low-flying' job and compensates for that by being responsible and reliable. 'It's not about being the most ambitious person in the relationship,' he said. 'It's about finding someone who supports and encourages you to pursue your dreams.'
So, is it a bad thing to be more ambitious and driven than your man? Not necessarily. As one woman on the Facebook thread pointed out, 'Does your man still cheer you on and encourage you to pursue your dreams?' If the answer is yes, then it may be worth exploring the relationship further. But if your partner is holding you back or making you feel like you're not good enough, then it may be time to reevaluate the relationship.
