Dating can be a lot of fun but at some point, you will likely want to make things more official.
One tricky part of dating is that you don’t always know when things are getting more serious.
How do you know when you and your partner cross the boyfriend/girlfriend stage?
The last thing you want is to come off as too clingy but at the same time, you also want to know if the guy or girl you are seeing is actually looking for a relationship and not just using you.
Even though for most couples it takes a couple of months to officially become boyfriend and girlfriend, there are some signs that things might be headed in that direction.
For example, if you’ve been on several dates and your partner already introduced you to their friends or family, it usually means they want something more serious.
Another clue is how much time and effort they put into planning date nights.
If they go above and beyond just making sure you have a good time together, it shows they care about impressing you and are probably interested in something more long-term.
Of course, the only way to know for sure if someone wants to take things to the next level is by asking them directly!
If you’re curious about where your relationship stands but don’t want to come right out and ask, try expressing your own feelings first.
Talk about how happy you are when you’re with them or say something like “I really enjoy our time together and I’m hoping we can keep this going.”
By opening up first, you give your partner the opportunity to respond without feeling pressure.
Who knows—the conversation might even lead naturally into discussing what exactly each of you is looking for in a relationship!
Now let’s take a look at some other tips and clues that will help you to figure out whether you are ready to become a girlfriend and boyfriend or if you should wait a little longer.
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Signs You are Ready to Become Official Boyfriend and Girlfriend
1. You‘ve met each other‘s families and friends
If you‘re both comfortable enough to introduce one another to the people who are most important in your lives, it‘s a sign that things are going well and that you‘re both ready for something more serious.
2. You go on real dates
Dates that involve actual planning and effort (not just Netflix & chill) are a good sign that things are progressing toward something more serious.
If you‘re both making an effort to see each other, it‘s usually a pretty clear indication that you‘re both interested in pursuing a relationship.
3. You always text and call each other
If you can‘t seem to go more than a few hours without talking or texting each other, it‘s likely that you‘ve developed a pretty strong emotional connection.
This is usually a sign that you‘re ready to take things to the next level.
4. You have inside jokes
Inside jokes are one of the clearest signs that two people have developed a close bond with each other.
If you find yourselves constantly laughing at things that only the two of you would understand, it‘s likely that you‘re both ready for something more serious.
5. You know each other‘s preferences and quirks
The longer you stay together, the more little details about each other you learn (favorite foods, TV shows, foods, etc.).
If your relationship has progressed to the point where you know these intimate details about each other, it‘s definitely heading in a serious direction.
6. You make time for each other
No matter how busy life gets, if your partner is always willing to make time for you (and vice versa), it‘s clear that they care deeply about their relationship with you and want things to continue progressing forward.
7. You’re not afraid to be yourself
One of the best parts of being in a relationship is finally being able to let your guard down and just be yourself.
If you‘re both comfortable enough to do this around each other, it‘s definitely a sign that things are heading in the right direction.
8. You make future plans
Whether it‘s planning out your next vacation or simply talking about what you want to do next weekend, making concrete plans with each other shows that you‘re both interested in something long-term.
9. The thought of losing them scares you
If even the idea of losing your partner fills you with dread, it‘s safe to say that they‘ve become an integral part of your life and that you‘re not ready to let them go anytime soon.
This is usually a pretty good indicator that you are ready to become a boyfriend and girlfriend.
10. Your friends tell you that you look happy together
If your friends comment on how good you look together as a couple, it‘s definitely a sign that there is some serious chemistry between you two and it might be the time to make things more official.
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Everyone is Different
One important thing to remember is that your partner is different from anyone else that you have dated before.
Not every situation is the same when it comes to dating and you may be with a person who wants something totally different from your previous dating partners.
This is why communication is the key when it comes to knowing where your relationship is going.
After a couple of dates, decide how you feel about your partner and if you are willing to be exclusive with them.
If you find yourself thinking that the answer is yes, then ask them how they feel about you.
Are they looking for a relationship? Are they okay with only dating you?
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Don’t Be Afraid to Take Things Slow
If you are worried about the right time to become a boyfriend/girlfriend, just take your time!
There is nothing wrong with going slow as frustrating as it might seem.
When you take things slow it makes it easier to get to know your partner in a comfortable environment without the added pressure of feeling like you have to make it work.
When you take your time, beautiful things can blossom and you can throw the worry you have over approaching the boyfriend/girlfriend issue out the window.
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