5 Things You Should Know About Dating Someone Who's Type A

Type A people are driven, focused and often the firsts to admit they're perfectionists.

They have big goals and dreams and really long to-do lists. They're sensitive, they're emotional and they get sh*t done.

Unfortunately, Merriam-Webster defines "Type A" like this:

Relating to, characteristic of, having, or being a personality that is marked by impatience, aggressiveness, and competitiveness and that is held to be associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

With a definition like that, it's easy to see how Type A people get bad raps. Despite the "impatient" and "aggressive" nature, Type A people have a lot to offer the world (see qualities listed above), and plenty of Type A people are in awesome, loving relationships.

Still, their loving Type B significant others might have hard times understanding them once in a while. So if you're dating someone who's Type A, here's what you should know.

1. They'll never be good enough for themselves.

Although we think they're perfect just the way they are, many Type A people are constantly striving for that unattainable goal of perfection.

Whether they're worrying about school, careers, looks or relationships, it's hard for Type A people to see themselves as anything but works in progress.

With that in mind, it doesn't hurt to tell our Type A partners how great they are once in a while.

2. They'll freak out if we're late.

Because of their driven, goal-oriented nature, Type A people feel like there's never enough time to do everything they want, and they're terrified of wasting time.

Setbacks like long lines and traffic drive them nuts, and so does our tardiness. It goes without saying being late is inevitable once in a while, just be prepared to face the consequences when it happens.

3. Sleep isn't always easy for them.

Type A people are no strangers to insomnia. Because they're anxiety-prone, easily stressed out and have constant to-do lists going on in their heads, it's not always easy for them to drift off into dreamland.

So if that Type A guy or girl we love so much has been tossing and turning and looking a little bleary-eyed lately, it may be time to ask him or her what's going on in his or her head. Maybe he or she just needs to vent a bit.

4. Telling them to relax probably isn't a good idea.

We know, we know. When someone's freaking out, it's tempting to tell him or her to "chill" or "relax."

But those words can be difficult for a Type A person to swallow. The truth is, with everything going on in their heads, Type A people have a tough time relaxing and winding down.

Although studies show taking breaks and vacations are important for creativity, productivity and wellbeing, the very concept of relaxing causes Type A people anxiety.

They see "relaxing" as something that takes time away from everything they have to do. But the inability of our Type A SOs to relax can worry us.

So think outside the box when it comes to relaxation. Does one of your partner's goals involve getting more exercise? Plan a day of hiking for the two of you.

5. They're thoughtful.

We can count on Type A people to never forget birthdays, anniversaries or any other days that might be special or important to us.

Type A people usually have super organized calendars, so we should probably learn to expect a bouquet of flowers on the fourth anniversary of our cat's death. That's love if you ask us!

Got all that, Type Bs?