Matching Game: 5 Advantages Of Type A People Dating Type B People
As a Type B personality, I have pretty much cruised through life content on just getting by. I never stressed during college finals, and I always procrastinated deadlines.
It's in my nature, and it's what has worked for me so far. Well, that is, until I met my boyfriend.
He is super Type A, high-strung and always on the go. You would think it would be exhausting for a Type B like myself, but I have found that it is actually incredibly stimulating.
Type A and Type B personalities were defined by cardiologists Meyer Friedman and RH Rosenman, after they observed agitated patients with heart conditions in their waiting room. Those who were later categorized as Type A were restless and appeared nervous.
According to Simply Psychology, the seats that were occupied by Type As were, “worn down on the front edges of the seats and the armrests instead of on the back areas, which would have been more typical.” They were unable to stay in their seats and seemed jumpy.
My boyfriend, being the hypochondriac that he is, would have fit in perfectly.
The study concluded that Type As are more likely to suffer from stress-related high blood pressure and heart disease. They typically demonstrate personality traits of competitiveness, self-criticism, time urgency, being work-obsessed and even hostility.
Type Bs tend to be more even-tempered, steady-paced, reflective and have a “love of the game” mentality.
For these reasons, it makes sense why we work so well together.
1. Motivation
Seeing the energy and determination of a Type A is intensely motivating for someone more carefree. Since dating a Type A, I have achieved many exciting goals I would not have pursued without the inspiration and support of my boyfriend. You can feed off of their can-do attitudes and psych yourself up for a challenge.
2. Organization
I am extremely messy, I'm lazy and I'm a Type B. We're not so anal about everything being spic and span.
Living with someone who is borderline OCD will definitely whip you into shape and get your organizational skills up to par. I now fold clothes (sometimes) and wash dishes right after they are used (usually).
3. Challenging
Since dating a Type A, I have been challenged to learn new things, like chess and a new language. I now know which way a rook can move and how to say, “Where is the mall?” in Dutch.
We are constantly in competition with one another to reach common goals, like who can finish the required gallon of water for the day first, and who can put the most into savings each month. Little competitions like this benefit us, no matter who wins or loses.
4. Reality Check
As a Type B, I am able to keep my boyfriend grounded. When he puts too much on his plate or starts to become anxious about the usual stressors in life, I can be there to remind him that everything works itself out. Together, we can overcome obstacles that might defeat us on our own.
5. Relaxing
When my Type A man overworks himself, I can help him relax and live more stress-free. Whether it's going to get pancakes at 3 pm on a Tuesday, or binge-watching the latest Netflix original series, I help him to see that life isn't all about work and achieving goals. It's also about enjoying the simpler things.
This balance has made for a pretty successful relationship. Although it's not one devoid of complications, it does bring out the best in us both.
We can seriously butt heads, but I value our dynamic. I would recommend it to anyone wary of opposites not attracting.
