Hi Zenduba,
Good question. I used to think that relationships need a lot of time to nurture, but am now re-considering that view.
A relationship should add to, not take away from, your life. In the early stages, dating once or twice a week shouldn't eat into your productivity too much. In fact, the change of routine and enjoyment of a night out might even increase your focus when you work.
I'm starting to think that a healthy relationship requires both parties to be equally engaged with life. If you spend a lot of time at work, ideally she should too, or at least spend a lot of time on her own pursuits. It's when one party has too much time on her hands and expects the other to be there for her all the time as well, that the demands on your time will eat into your productivity.
It is also unhealthy to spend too much time on a relationship, I think. I've tried it both ways - glued to the hip, and each having independent lives. I much prefer the latter.
Anyway, with relationships I've realised that there is little point theorizing. Just go with your gut and see where it leads. Life is short and relationships give it meaning, so go for it!
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