I've dated several guys in finance over the years. Not sure how that happened, but I'm guessing my close proximity to Wall Street has something to do with it. I've learned a lot about finance guys and while some stereotypes are true, there are some are far from. Every guy was different, of course, but they all shared very similar characteristics. If you're thinking of dating a guy in finance, there are a few things you should know before heading out for your next date.
They work crazy hours
Rarely will you meet a guy in finance who works from 9-5. Many work crazy hours and will even sleep in their office on occasion. I once met a guy who just finished working 18 hours and had to get up in 5 hours to do it all again. If you date a guy in finance, don't be surprised if he works early mornings and late nights.
Everything has a financial detail
I never learned more about the cost of things than when I started dating guys in finance. For example, when I bought a scarf, I learned about the stock price of the company behind it and what their next business move was going to be. I wasn't just buying bed sheets, I was buying them from a company whose stock price went up the week before. The shoes I just bought? The designer who makes them recently hired hundreds of new employees. Many guys in finance will rattle off various financial facts about random things without even realizing they're doing it.
They love to talk about the industry
If you date a guy in finance, you're going to have to really like the industry or at least be willing to learn about it. Many of them live and breathe finance and constantly talk about it. Occasionally it will make you want to bang your head into the wall, but it's actually great if you want to talk about the same topics. I learned a lot about finance as a whole thanks to the guys I dated who worked in the industry.
They're narcissistic
I have yet to meet a guy in the business who wasn't narcissistic. Granted, some had more narcissistic tendencies than others, but it wasn't always the easiest thing to deal with. They rarely feel guilty, will look for attention even if it's not from you, need their egos fluffed and believe they're above many - if not all - others. All of these tendencies get even worse the more money they have and will usually be the cause of many arguments.
They're generous
I have to give finance guys credit for being quite generous. They usually give great gifts, especially for special occasions, and will usually wind up giving you something you love but didn't even know you wanted. If you mention something in passing that you would like, such as for your birthday or Christmas, you'll very likely get it wrapped up and decorated with a bow on the day of the occasion. However, don't ever mention something with the expectation you're going to get it. A couple of friends have done this and the guys caught on quick.
Their job is everything
As I said before, they live and breathe finance. It's almost an addiction. They're either on the computer reading about it, listening to it on the radio, watching it on television or talking about it. Constantly. It's not something you're going to change, so either get used to it or move on.
They know how to dress
Guys in finance definitely know how to dress. They're usually required to wear dress shirts and pants to the office, so if they don't have style when they go into the industry, they learn it rather quickly.
They don't have fantastic social skills
Maybe it's because they're constantly so focused on their jobs, but guys in finance don't particularly have great social skills. They often don't phrase things properly unless it's financial speak, they make inappropriate jokes, are harsh with their judgments and will speak first and think later. As a girlfriend, this can be rough to deal with and you'll often find yourself putting up with things no one else would.
They're "glass half-empty"
Finance guys are usually glass half-empty. When a situation goes on in their personal life, they may start out as somewhat positive, but they'll usually make a turn toward a gloom and doom attitude. Even if you're a relatively positive person, this can wear on you quickly and drag you down.
They're pretty boring
There's something about guys in finance that makes them need pushing and prodding in order to do anything different and exciting. While they're usually all for going on vacation or trying different restaurants, if it's something that involves changing up from your typical routine whether it's going on a dinner cruise or going to see a comedy show, be prepared to do some convincing.
They're great in bed
Finance guys like being in control and in turn, are usually great in the bedroom. If you give them direction, they pay attention and aim to please. They know what they're doing and you'll reap the benefits.
The aforementioned traits obviously vary from guy-to-guy and not every man in finance exhibits the same qualities. I'm friends with a couple of guys who work in the industry and they're very sweet, however, more often than not finance guys have at least a handful of the qualities I mentioned. Despite the relatively negative aspects, there's only one guy I would have thrown back into the dating pool if I had the chance. The rest got better over time and relaxed a bit, but it took a lot of patience, tolerance and understanding on my part. If you're interested in a finance guy, don't automatically pass him over. Give him a shot and see what he's about. He could be much different than any other guy in the industry you've met before.
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