How well do you know your partner? You may share a bed and a life, but you will not truly know a person until you hear them say, 'OK, let's circle back and touch base on that later.' Working from home with your partner transforms your relationship in ways you never anticipated. Two people logging in from the same address will quickly become a masterclass in truly understanding another human. Here are the surprising lessons you may learn about your partner when your home becomes your office, and your partner becomes your work spouse.
Introvert vs Extrovert
You will discover whether your partner is genuinely extroverted or simply plays one at work. Some people thrive when they can skip the commute and small talk at the office. Others, however, start to feel restless without the buzz of colleagues and constant interaction. Some people blossom when they work from home, while others wilt without the social stimulation and structure. This can reveal a lot about your partner's emotional needs. You will see a new side of their personality that you have never fully seen before.
How They Handle Stress
Working from home strips away the corporate facade. You will get to see how your partner responds to stress. How do they react when there is a difficult deadline or a challenging project? How do they interact with their colleagues and you during this important time? Do they blame external circumstances or take ownership? Are they the type to spiral or to methodically problem-solve? These stress responses can really tell you how they will handle life's bigger challenges.
Do They Have Multiple Personalities?
Most of us have different personalities depending on the circumstances. Most of us indeed have a work personality. You do not really bring your authentic self to work. But does this work personality match with the other personality? Do the core values align? You cannot be a 'speak no lie' person at home and then be a backstabber at work. But now, this WFH opportunity will help you see the truth.
Work Habits
Some people can multitask, while others cannot. Some people perform well when they listen to music. For others, this could be the biggest distraction. You also get to discover the decibel level your partner can tolerate while working, and if it matches yours. They can tolerate external noise, or whether minor auditory details such as keyboard volume, phone call volume, or the frequency of sighing may cause them to reach for earplugs.
Their Vulnerability
Remote work will help you see the moments of genuine vulnerability in your partner. At home, your partner may bring their best self. They have to impress you. But at work, you will witness them after failed presentations, during moments of self-doubt, when they feel invisible in online meetings. You will get to see how you respond to these moments. This will tell you whether they acknowledge it or toss it away. You will also get to know how they interact with others in those moments of vulnerability.
