If you subscribe to the theories revolving around Type A and Type B people, this list will give you an idea of what to expect if you try dating either one.
There are more than a few misconceptions about these two types of personalities. Most of those beliefs paint people in a bad light, especially when the good points of both types are hardly ever discussed. And even when they are, they are usually portrayed as a flaw instead of an asset.
Type A people are assumed to be ambitious, driven, highly organized, and extremely conscientious. Type B people, on the other hand, are considered to be the opposite or a less intense version of a Type A person.
In terms of dating, many people seem to think that Type A people are controlling and intense, whereas Type B people are more laid-back and easy to manipulate. But the problem with these simplistic assumptions is that the scope of both types of personalities go far beyond the surface.
When it comes to dating, you really should base your presumptions about a person based off of their day-to-day actions, rather than a mere perceived personality type.
Should you date someone who is Type A or Type B?
The easy answer is that you should date whoever you like. The more complicated answer, though, is that you should consider whether or not someone with a specific personality type can assimilate well into your own personality sphere.
A lot of times, people with different personalities mesh well and complement each other. For others, it can manifest itself as an obstacle that doesn’t do any good for the relationship. So, how can you decide if you should date someone who is a Type A or a Type B? Knowing what to expect and how to deal any issues that might come your way can be a good place to start.
Dating someone with a Type A personality
When dating someone who is Type A, you need to prepare yourself for their high energy and stress-driven lifestyle. This is not to say that all Type A people are inclined to be stressed. It just means that people who are Type A are more likely to put more energy into their work and personal lives. Here are some things to remember:
#1 They are more ambitious than Type B personalities. This means that work may take precedence before your relationship most of the time. If this is something that you can adjust to, then go for your Type A sweetheart. If not, you’ll have to sit down and talk about your priorities before getting serious. [Read: Love or career? How to make the right choice]
#2 They are highly organized. They want everything to go as smoothly as possible. Not all Type A people are compulsive, but you will find that they prefer organization as opposed to spontaneity. Still, your partner may like a sweet and thoughtful surprise now and again.
#3 They are more conscious of how other people perceive them. This can be either good or bad, depending on how you wish others to perceive you. If you don’t care, then that’s fine. However, your Type A partner might, and you will have to compromise on some things like how they deal with other people and how they might push their own views onto you. [Read: Care less: Stop giving a damn about what people think]
#4 They are usually impatient. Does this mean that you have to be the patient one all the time? Not necessarily, but it does mean that your partner tends to make decisions quickly. It could also spell trouble for time management if you’re the type who usually arrives or prepares late for events and situations.
#5 They can easily become anxious or aggressive. The reason why some doctors are so concerned about people with Type A personalities is that they are more likely to expose themselves to unnecessary stress. Their penchant for being workaholics can take a toll on their body, and this usually manifests through anxiety and aggression. If you’re planning on dating someone with a Type A personality, you better be prepared to take them as they are during the good times and the bad. [Read: Whoa there! 8 signs you’re coming on way too strong]
Conclusion: Type A personalities are surrounded by negative assumptions, but that is just because people relate these traits to negative outcomes. Ambitious and organized people are poised for success, which may make the sacrifice worth it. Their organization and conscientiousness is also a positive factor because it can influence other people to improve themselves. As for their less than savory traits, everybody is entitled to one flaw or another – just make sure that it does not harm other people or yourself.
Dating someone with a Type B personality
You may think that dating a Type B person means chilling and going with the flow, but they have their own downsides as well. They are more complacent and less likely to become motivated by a lack of success. Dating someone who is Type B may be relaxing, but it could also be a little too relaxing. Here are some things to remember:
#1 They don’t get easily stressed about a lack of achievement. That sounds like a good deal, but there are instances when one must become more motivated to get what they want. If a Type B person decides not to pursue you because of their complacency, you will have to make the first move. While there’s nothing wrong with that in general, complacency within a relationship can negatively affect couples. [Read: How to motivate yourself to do pretty much anything]
#2 When it comes to competition, they either enjoy it even if they don’t win or they will simply back down. Competition should always be healthy, and backing down from a fight is usually a good idea. However, when it comes to relationships, people typically benefit more by seriously engaging their partners in existing issues. The flaw in some Type B personalities is that they may just give the reins to their partners instead of trying to push their opinions on the matter, even if they are right.
#3 They enjoy exploring new concepts and ideas and usually choose creative paths. This trait also exists in people with Type A personalities, but researchers see this more in Type B people. If you’re dating a Type B person in a creative industry, you will have to invest a little bit of patience, because their work is not easily realized in one sitting. We’re not saying that Type B people have issues at work, but it helps to understand exactly how you can embrace your partner’s passions and career. [Read: The perks and quirks of dating a writer]
#4 They can be very reflective. This can conflict with a Type A person’s predisposition towards impatience and anxiety. While Type B people are still contemplating an issue, someone with a Type A personality might push for an immediate answer. A Type B person may need more time, but some relationship issues can’t afford to be sat on.
#5 They don’t talk as much as Type A people. Obviously, this can be a problem in terms of communication, but you could always urge your partner to be more involved in the conversation. The downside is that you’ll have to prod your partner to speak their mind, and that can be annoying at best and may be considered stonewalling at worst.
Conclusion: Type B people might seem like the ideal partner, but some of their traits may conflict with your own personality and ideals. The key is to balance things out by getting to know your partner better in order to adjust accordingly. That goes the same for them. [Read: 50 relationship questions to test your compatibility]
Remember that both the Type A and B personalities are just theoretical generalizations. People’s personalities encompass a wider range than just two groups. It’s up to you to approach that person and find out whether your personalities match, regardless of which group you both fall into.
