What It’s Like to Date a Software Engineer
Here’s what I know from dating a software engineer for 2+ years…
If you’re unfamiliar with software engineers (or people with tech careers in general), I can tell you that they are some of the most interesting people with their guise of having a “desk job.” If you are only familiar with the line of work via TV or movie depictions, you may be picturing an introverted, disheveled genius who can only explain “high-level” technological concepts in their own terms. But, this is far from the truth—they tend to be very down-to-earth, honest, and generous people (at least in my experience). This is why they are excellent people to be acquainted with. From years of dating a software engineer (and befriending many along the way), I am here to tell you why they are excellent people to romance and/or befriend.
They Can Solve Everyday Tech Issues with Ease
Now, personally, I am not great with technology. I am certainly not a Luddite by any means, but sometimes I run into occasional technology problems while working or partaking in everyday hobbies (watching TV, writing articles, etc.). When these inevitable things happen—after several trials-and-errors of my own—I have someone I can rely on to solve the problem. If I am having a major issue or question while using Windows at work (I am much more familiar with macOS), I can ask my partner to quickly help me solve the problem and get on with my day, which leads me to my next point…
Software Engineers are Excellent Teachers
Whenever my partner helps me figure out a technology issue or answers one of my computer questions, I am awarded with an excellent opportunity to learn something new. Depending on their kinds of roles at work, software engineers often help other individuals solve technology questions—big or small—ensuring to explain it in a way that is simple to learn, likely so they do not have to teach it again. Since they may be used to explaining technology and software to people who do not have a career in this field, they can effectively learn how to teach a new concept to a layperson. Through some of my partner’s “tech teachings,” I have retained plenty of new technology skills to help me in both my professional and personal lives.
They are Patient
An admirable quality of software engineers is their perseverance. Based on what I have witnessed my partner do on a daily basis, there appears to be constant trial-and-error in the line of work. To solve a complex issue, they can sometimes spend hours finding different ways to solve an issue until it is fixed. I imagine that this requires incredible patience. With things that I have generally done in the past—writing, reading, communicating with clients/customers, etc.—these are generally a “one-shot” opportunity. You generally handle an encounter once, and then you do not do it again or get a second chance. For example, when I’m reading a document at work, I am not going to sit there and find 10 different ways to read it. However, software engineers rely on attempting a problem many times. I have also found that this translates into their personal lives—they are great listeners, will do their best to resolve an issue through several means, and my partner nicely will wait for me to get ready to go somewhere when I am running late.
They are Incredibly Honest
Something that I have learned through relationships and friendships with software engineers is that they are very candid, and are not afraid to show their true feelings about something. While this is totally a generalization, I imagine a majority of software engineers would be considered “left-brained” people, very analytic and objective. They will not sugarcoat with you on touchy subjects. They tell it like it is. We all have been met with dishonesty at some point in our lives, and I find it incredibly refreshing to be around someone who is truly honest about how they feel. No matter what emotion my partner is feeling at a particular time, I know what is going on—and there is never any passive-aggressiveness. Positive and constructive communication is something I never have to worry about in my personal life.
You Can Stay Ahead in Our Changing World
I have learned many things about how our world has changed, and how the future could look due to my partner’s expertise. Before dating him, I would say I was generally out of touch with the growing presence of tech in my life. I wasn’t always entirely aware of the latest Twitter trends, the dangers of data, or the potential that technology could bring to us. While I knew that things in the tech world were in constant motion and that they affected my own life, I did not concern myself with the larger details. But, now, I still like I can stay ahead of the game—keeping my information safe, preparing myself for the next big thing, or even simply learning about the ideals of young people via political Twitter discourse. Outside of the larger scope, even having the latest technology in your home can be a fun perk :)
Thanks for reading!
