In a world where romantic outings are turning into corporate boardroom meetings, there’s a lot to be said about priorities. Imagine this scene: a candle-lit dinner in a posh restaurant, only to be interrupted by the glow of a laptop screen and the rapid clacking of keyboard keys. That’s exactly what happened to one fellow who found himself on a first date with a woman who was more interested in her business deals than in choosing dessert. She came prepared—not with a bouquet of roses but with her trusty laptop—ready to juggle contracts and strategy calls right there at the table.

So, while her date probably imagined a quiet evening of getting-to-know-you chatter over pasta, he got a firsthand lesson in multitasking magic. Our protagonist darted out of the restaurant mid-meal to negotiate on the phone, leaving her date with little more than breadsticks to keep him company. It seems her dedication to the grind was a tad more binding than any budding romance. Her unapologetic commitment to work—smack dab in the middle of date night—read like a neon sign in Times Square.

To the casual observer, this “boss babe” persona might sparkle with independence and ambition. But let’s take a closer look under this glittering armor. There’s a warning label attached here, blinking like a broken traffic light. When one’s priority list places business contracts over personal relationships and future family duties, it’s worth a pause. After all, those deals won’t tuck you in at night or keep you warm in the twilight years. As worthy as career objectives are, they’re not exactly the best supper companions or substitute for social warmth.

And therein lies the quintessential modern dilemma. Is it truly winning if work-life balance veers so sharply toward work that life feels more like a footnote? Loving what you do is one thing, but placing a career on a pedestal higher than humanity’s essential connections is something else. Sure, pursuing professional excellence is commendable, but when life’s essential personal interactions take a backseat, there’s a lot to consider regarding ultimate fulfillment.

In this age of “get-ahead” and “do more,” perhaps there’s something to be said about taking a moment to savor life’s simple joys—like a peaceful dinner, unaccompanied by pings and beeps. This is not to dismiss ambition, but maybe keeping a seat at the table for balance isn’t such a bad idea. After all, contracts may drive boardroom success, but they won’t spoon-feed you applesauce in your retirement home.