People talk a lot about the importance of respect and compassion in love, but things are never just black or white, particularly when it comes to complex emotions and real-world issues. There are different factors that can push people apart, things like social background and morality, and the rules of dating can vary widely depending on the social circles that you are moving in. When it comes to dating in high society, the dynamics can be wildly different than what you will normally find in middle and lower class relationships. There are a number of things that need to be taken into account, and while it ultimately comes down to a person’s personal preference, some interesting patterns do emerge when we analyze the dating habits of powerful men and women.
Most wealthy men don’t look for partners within their social circles.
It is a common misbelief that those privileged few who live luxurious lifestyles have it easy, but successful self-made millionaires are ambitious people who focus a lot of time and effort into their work, and don’t have much time for dating. It is often the same burning ambition and strong work ethics, which make a successful businessman, that prevent a person from having a very active social life, outside drinks with close friends and business associates. In fact, if we look at some of the numbers provided by specialized millionaire dating sites, we can see that a majority of rich and successful men actually seek out women who are not as financially independent. The powerful men the world over seem to gravitate towards women that allow them to play the role of a protector and provider, and it’s not just an ego boost – some men have a strong need to fulfill this role due to both genetic factors and a strict patriarchal upbringing.
Strong financially independent women are much more likely to be attracted to wealthy and powerful men
The same male-female dynamics apply here – women generally prefer to date high status men, someone who not only projects confidence, but commands respect from others. The powerful high society lady prefers a gentleman and a leader, a cultured and capable man who knows his way around the finer establishments in town. While there are certainly examples of wealthy women dating less well-off younger men, there is a clear distinction between the type of partner that is suitable as eye candy or a fling, and the type of partner is serious relationship material.
There tends to be a little bit more of a strategic approach to dating when it comes to high class women, i.e. these women don’t just need a sexually and emotionally compatible partner, they also need someone who understands their way of life, a strong ally who they will be proud to be associated with. It is interesting to note that these preferences are characteristic of both old money and the nouveau riche, which indicates that some basic rules of attraction permeate all levels of society.
Powerful and confident women can have a hard time finding the right man
Just as very tall women have trouble finding a guy who doesn’t have to go on his tippy toes to give them a kiss, confident and powerful women can have a bit of trouble finding a man that can both buy them a nice expensive gift from time to time, but at the same time feel confident enough to open up to their woman and treat her like an equal. There is a lot to be said about the insecurities that can surface in the mind of a man who's feeling of self-worth is threatened by the inability to impress a woman by providing for her.
Managing the many obligations of a successful entrepreneur and a socialite doesn’t leave you with a lot of time for finding a compatible life partner. To make matters worse, the things that wealthy men and wealthy women are looking for in a partner are wildly dissimilar – most of the wealthy men look for beautiful younger women that they can take care off, while most wealthy women want a powerful man who isn’t threatened by their success. There are fewer suitable options within the same social circles for both men and women, so it takes a lot more effort and strategic thinking to make things work.
