Let’s just save some time and answer truthfully: Yes. Oh, yes.

Women often complain about dates being ruined by men who simply won’t stop talking about themselves. Guys talk about how great they are doing in the business world. They talk about their great car. They talk about sports — and invariably their mothers. Most women have been through this sort of boorish conversation; men feel the need to prove themselves worthy of the object of their affections.

But in the social maelstrom of dating, there is something relatively new thrown into the mix. With the growth of women’s rights, and the advance of women into business and the professions, it’s entirely possible that men are trying to attract women whose resumes are more impressive then their own.

The man who hoped to impress a woman with his promotion from sales representative to sales manager in less than five years might feel insecure when he discovers his date got her MBA at Harvard and now earns twice his salary.

Guys, try these tips to manage your egos in the presence of a powerful woman.

• Company: It’s not the company you work for, but the company you keep.
  A powerful woman is not interested in spending time with someone whose company she does not enjoy. She spends probably spends plenty of time at work with people she could live without seeing. Some people spend their whole lives working without ever becoming the sort of person you would want to share a meal with. Be good company. Talk about what you like to talk about. Ask her about her interests and really listen when she describes them.

   

• Ambition: It’s not where you are, but the journey you’re taking.
  Women desire men with ambition. You don’t have to aspire to run a Fortune 500 company or to become a neurosurgeon. What matters is most is having goals and planning to reach them. So many people have plenty of ambition, but it never occurs to them to strive for simple happiness. When you talk about what you really want and love, she will see it in your eyes.

   

• Passion: Let her know you have it.
  Many men are trapped on the path of least resistance. They watch five hours of TV each night but can’t bring themselves to see a movie with subtitles. They love music but never actually learn how to play the guitar. They complain about their current job but never search for a career they will love. You don’t need to bore her with a list of the things you have done. Let her know who you are and who you want to be.

If you try to impress powerful women by showing how powerful you are, you will not succeed. Letting her know that you are comfortable in her presence and that you enjoy her company will impress her most.

Since your dream executive is short on time and probably using Match.com to find dates, try a quick search and see if she’s available and in your area!

Steve Bowden, Match.com