If you’re currently dating someone that you connect with on a deep level, it’s only natural to be on the lookout for signs that your relationship is going to the next level. Whether that means becoming exclusive with each other, moving in together, or even getting engaged. Each of these scenarios has equal parts of excitement, but can also be scary to think about because they mean taking the leap of faith required to make your relationship more serious. While it’s important to take time and evaluate whether your partner is a good match for you, it’s just as important to make sure you are in the right place to move forward. Taking the next step in your relationship will always require you to be more open and vulnerable. If you truly feel that you’re in a good, healthy place emotionally, then you really shouldn’t hesitate to get more serious and deepen the relationship you have with your partner. Below are four signs that your relationship is healthy, happy, and most likely ready for that next step – whatever it may be.
Trust – Being able to fully trust your partner is one key to a long-lasting relationship. If you are your significant other both feel completely confident in having each other’s backs, then it’s an important signal that you’re ready to take the next step as a couple. Don’t forget that it’s very difficult to be vulnerable and share problems with others. So, when a partner can open up to you it’s extremely important not to break their trust. Personally, I don’t think any relationship can last if there is no trust. That goes for family, friends, romance, and work colleagues.
Support – I can’t think of anything more important than knowing you’re with someone who is there to support you through all of your endeavors, both the good and bad. If you think of your partner as a rock then it’s a positive sign for the future. The smallest things like asking your partner how they are doing (without sharing your own personal issues) allows you to be completely open to them. Listen to your partner and let them know you care about what’s happening in their life. I can’t stress enough how important good communication is in a relationship. A good support system is how couples will succeed and flourish together.
Intimacy – The good thing about intimacy issues is that they can be resolved much easier than the two signals above. Still, you shouldn’t move forward in a relationship if you’re unsatisfied with the current level of intimacy. That goes for both inside and outside of the bedroom! Intimacy won’t just magically get better because you got engaged or moved in together. One sign to look for in this department would be how often you touch your partner. If you physically touch each other often, whether it’s a kiss hello or goodbye, snuggling on the couch, or holding hands – it’s a good sign. Remember, even non-sensual touching builds a connection between partners.
Values – In the early stages of a relationship (what I like to call the honeymoon phase), it’s easy to get distracted by all the excitement, fun, and physical chemistry going on between you and your partner. But to move forward into a more serious relationship together, you need to evaluate whether or not your values align with your partner’s when it comes to important matters. Do you have similar values and priorities in life? For example, if neither of you wants to have children or get married then it will decrease any misunderstandings or assumptions. If one person in the relationship wants children later in life and the other doesn’t, that could be a big problem later on. Discuss this type of stuff early in your relationship and make sure you have similar values and priorities before moving forward.
