Picture this: You've exclusively spending a lot of time with someone very, very cute. The chemistry's there; you have fun together. You're texting non-stop, thinking of them when you're apart, and maybe, they've even made an appearance or two on your Instagram Story. Sound familiar? What about that cute airport crush who you just bantered with for five minutes while waiting to board?
Just kidding about that last one—kind of. Relationship ambiguity can be mind-boggling. Here's everything you need to know about exclusive dating, including how long you should feel things out before asking about a label, how to have that conversation, and what to do if it goes wrong.
What do you look for in a partner?
When you're exclusively dating, your goal is to be committed to each other in a monogamous relationship, but you still want to test drive things a bit exclusively. After all, you gotta make sure the other person is okay with sleeping with the fan on or your strict reality TV schedule. Exclusively main thing is, you see potential, and are mutually willing to work toward a future to see if you're truly compatible.
This exclusive dating process often means your lives are becoming more entwined. Maybe you start hanging out with their friend group regularly on weekends, or you exclusively a funny meme to send them later because it reminded you of a shared experience.
All that said, exclusive dating does not mean that this person is your significant other.
That role requires legit responsibilities and a shifting of priorities—namely, putting your bond together before other commitments, says Dating. Oh, and while you're at it: Exclusive dating isn't something you want to assume or infer is happening.
Trust your intuition, but know that hearing the words is way more reassuring. A monogamous relationship takes exclusivity a step further, when you can commit to a future with this person. Of course, these life elements take some time to build up to, as well. You also should feel more comfortable in your skin and willing to share more of yourself and your time with this person—since, you know, you've made a commitment to them.
When coupledom is on the horizon, it's likely bae starts asking you to spend way more nights over their place, even on gasp work nights, or bigger gasp wants you to meet their parents. Either way, at the end of the day, you need to verbally communicate what you want dating the person you're dating, to see if they're on the same swoon-level page as you. Generally, though, she advises dating for about 90 days—give or take—depending on your situation. But Comaroto also believes exclusively relationships are too complex with too many variables to guarantee that this specific amount of time will work for everyone, so you should feel empowered to begin making that transition into coupledom on your own timeline.
On the flip side, if you think your relationship is moving too fast, here are some signs to watch out for:.
So, how do you get from point A to point B? While at dinner or drinks, let them know how happy you've dating with the way things are going, and—yes, this exclusively vulnerability—you think there's something real here. You can wait for them to respond before taking the convo deeper, read more don't be afraid to express how you really feel about them and your connection.
You could also try a more casual approach: "Hey, I've been so happy with things lately that I've found myself gushing article source you to my friends. But I don't know what I should be calling you—what do you think? Either way, as long as you're honest about what you want, you're that much closer to getting it.
Rejection sucks. I know. But take it from an expert: the strongest thing you can do is claim your power when it comes to dating, says Concepcion. So even if the thought of taking the next step toward love with another person scares the bejesus out of you, at least you'll be showering yourself in dating type of affection that matters most: yours.
She advises taking a beat and asking yourself dating like: Where is my heart? I hear that, and I honor that, and I respect that, and I appreciate you making space for what's true for me. Do we need to slow down? Do you need some time to figure out what you want? However, at some point, it may be time to move on. Honor the other person, but honor yourself. You should also consider what you're looking for, she advises. Is it a steady partnership?
Exclusive Dating vs. Relationship: 11 Key Differences
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What does exclusive dating really mean? Ah, okay. So how is that different from a relationship, again? How long should you exclusively date before getting into a relationship? On the flip side, if you think your relationship is moving too fast, here are some signs to watch out for: I think I'm ready—how do I make the transition from dating exclusively to being in a relationship?
Uh, scary! What if I'm not ready for "the talk"?
What should I do if the DTR convo goes wrong? Watch Next. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below.