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4 Questions To Ask Yourself Before Making the Next Step in Dating
One of the most exciting times in a relationship is when you are finally taking that next step. Whether it be the first kiss, the first date, or even moving in together, there is always something new and exciting about starting this new chapter with someone special. However, before you jump into anything too quickly, ask yourself these critical questions.
What Values Hold Your Relationship?
What is important to you? Think about the things that matter most in your relationship. Then, how do those values align, or not, with a potential partner’s values? It may also be helpful to ask yourself what the opposite of these core beliefs might mean for you and your significant other. For example, if one person holds firm religious values while the other does not, that can create tension. Similarly, if one person values independence while their partner is very family-oriented and wants to live with them, there could be problems.
Knowing your values in your relationship will allow you to understand your partner and yourself better. Furthermore, it can help you recognize red flags and avoid potentially unhealthy situations.
Do You Discuss Your Future Together?
It is essential to discuss what you see your life looking like together for this relationship moving forward. Do you talk about children, where you will be living? If both of you would like to have children later but not now, you will need to decide how to achieve your goals. It is essential to understand that not everyone has the same beliefs regarding sexual life and health. However, be open and discuss various options like getting a contraceptive pill online or other viable options.
Where are all these things going? Think of it as a future planning meeting with someone very close to being your spouse. It can help ease any previous fears and concerns that may have been lingering. For example, are you planning on merging your lives? If so, does this include marriage? Discussing your future together can be scary, but it’s essential to know where you stand on these things. It will give you clarity on your current relationship and where you are going together.
Your Purpose and Intention
Before you make the next step in dating, it’s essential to ask yourself the purpose and intention. It will help you to show up in your best light and avoid any potential pitfalls or disappointments later down the road when you could have avoided them by asking yourself these questions before making that next move.
You should first ask yourself what you want from dating. Do you want a casual relationship, or are you looking for something more serious? It’s important to realize where the other person stands as well. What does their behavior tell you about their feelings, and why do they feel this way? It could be possible that your expectations aren’t in line with what they’re looking for.
Maybe you just met the person, and it’s too early to be asking those types of questions, but these are things that you need to consider regardless. If your goal is to develop a long-term relationship or friendship, you should always keep these factors in mind and how you want to be treated by the other person.
There might not always be a right and wrong answer, but it’s essential that you feel comfortable with your expectations ahead of time before continuing any further.
Is There Growth in Your Relationship?
Ask yourself if you feel that the relationship is moving forward and not stagnating. If it feels like a constant merry-go-round of going out, hanging out, seeing each other, making plans to spend time together, but never actually doing anything new or different – then this might be your answer.
When was the last time you did something that you’d never done before? When was the last time that date or an outing with your partner wasn’t going out to dinner, shopping, seeing a movie – it could be anything. Going on vacation together is excellent.
Even if it means getting away for just one night and taking in some live music at a bar or dancing the night away at a club, this is still something new and different that you’re doing together. Be aware. However, it might not always be easy to get your partner on board with trying out something completely new.
Conclusion
If you’ve been on a few dates with someone and feel like there might be potential, it’s time to ask yourself some questions. If your answers don’t add up to the person being right for you, it may be best not to go further until they do. While it’s true that love is complicated, the best place to start is by asking yourself if this person could be your long-term partner. If you can’t say yes with confidence, you should be ready to let go.
