You’re a powerhouse. You crush deadlines, nail presentations, manage a calendar that would make a Fortune 500 CEO sweat, and somewhere between iced lattes and quarterly reviews, you’re also trying to squeeze in a love life.
But let’s be real: dating while climbing the career ladder can feel like trying to do squats in stilettos, technically possible, but why does it have to be this hard?
So here you are, wondering if he’s just another emotionally unavailable man-child… or if the universe just has a dark sense of humor when it comes to timing. Before you ghost him and send your group chat into a full-blown autopsy of his texts, pause. Here are 5 signs it’s not the guy, it’s the clock.
1. He’s Consistent… Just Not Available 24/7
The Problem: He’s not blowing up your phone, but he does reply. He remembers your big presentation, checks in after your late-night shift, and when he’s in, he’s all in, just not always in.
The Solution: Respect the slow burn. Just like you wouldn’t want someone demanding your time between back-to-back meetings, he may be in his own season of grind. If the effort is consistent, even if not constant, that’s gold. Schedule “intentional time” (even if it’s a Tuesday Zoom wine date) and see if the quality outweighs the quantity.
Power takeaway: Reliable > reactive. You’re dating a man, not a chatbot.
2. You’re Both in Boss Mode
The Problem: Your calendars are basically a game of Tetris. His launch week overlaps with your investor pitch. Your weekend off is his cousin’s wedding. You haven’t seen each other in a month and your mom is starting to ask, “Is he real?”
The Solution: Recognize that two ambitious people will have seasons where romance has to be flexible. Use the chaos to your advantage, cheer each other on. Become co-CEOs of your relationship. Instead of “we never see each other,” flip it to “we’re building something real in real time.”
Power takeaway: Love isn’t canceled, it’s just in beta mode.
3. You’re Questioning It… But There’s No Red Flags
The Problem: You keep waiting for the catch, ghosting, gaslighting, a secret wife named Cheryl, but none of it’s showing up. He’s actually… kind? And yet, it still feels off.
The Solution: Sometimes “off” isn’t toxic. It’s timing. If your connection feels solid but life keeps interrupting, don’t self-sabotage. Give it breathing room. Create checkpoints every few weeks to check in with yourself. Do you still want this? Does it still feel aligned? If yes, keep going. If no, you’ll know.
Power takeaway: Don’t dump a maybe just because it’s not a fairytale right now.
4. You’re the One Pulling Back
The Problem: Surprise plot twist, you’re lowkey relieved when plans get canceled. Not because you don’t like him, but because your brain is fried and your skincare routine deserves your full attention tonight.
The Solution: That doesn’t make you cold. It makes you human. Give yourself permission to not be available 100% of the time. Communicate honestly. “Hey, I like you. I also like sleep and silence. Can we rain check?” If he respects that (spoiler: a good guy will), you’re onto something strong.
Power takeaway: A relationship should fit your life, not consume it.
5. You Can Feel the Potential, But Life’s Not Lining Up
The Problem: The chemistry is fire. The conversations are effortless. He’s actually met your dog. But someone’s moving cities, or navigating burnout, or healing from something real.
The Solution: Talk about the future, even if it’s blurry. “Would you be open to trying again when things slow down?” “If the stars were different, would this look different?” It’s okay to shelf something precious until the timing makes sense, just don’t confuse a pause for a breakup.
Power takeaway: Some love stories take intermissions before the next act.
So, Is It Time or Is It Him?
Not every connection is meant to be right now. Sometimes, it’s a slow brew, not a shot of espresso. And if you’re both still showing up, even when life’s a circus, that’s not bad timing, darling. That’s potential.
So tell me, have you ever hit pause on a good thing because the timing was trash? Or are you in the middle of one right now? Drop your story in the comments, let’s talk it out like the strong, savvy women we are.