Exclusively Dating: Are You Ready for the Next Step?
Imagine you’re seeing someone; things are going well.
They bring a smile to your face. They create butterflies in your stomach. And they seem to fill a missing piece in your life.
But fast forward to a few dates and several late-night talks, and this person casually drops a bomb, saying, “I’m ready for us to be exclusive.”
Their declaration leaves you surprised and thinking, “Am I ready to be exclusively dating?”
If you’re unsure, let me help you find the answer.
What Does It Even Mean?
Generally, dating is when two people get to intimately know each other and examine their compatibility.
Meanwhile, “exclusively dating” is when two people have a mutual understanding to commit to each other.
It is the stage when the couple agrees to stop seeing other people and channel all their affection towards each other. It’s a dry run on monogamy and commitment for the couple to ascertain their feelings toward a more serious, long-term relationship.
In a dating landscape filled with situationships, online relationships, and even friends, with or without the benefits, all can end up in this type of defined relationship if their feelings and desires align.
What to Consider Before Making Things Exclusive
Let’s say you’re considering taking up his offer to be exclusive. How do you know if you’re ready? What if you enter this stage prematurely and belatedly realize it’s the wrong decision?
Reflect to see if you manifest the following key signs that show your preparedness for exclusivity.
1. You Already Act Like an Official Couple
It may be time to explore an exclusive relationship if it seems like you’re already in one.
You’re not seeing other people, spending all your time on dating apps, and ignoring other people’s advances, even when you haven’t had the relationship-defining conversation yet.
Perhaps you’re even doing stuff that only exclusive couples do, like going on dinner dates every Friday, celebrating birthdays together, or attending each other’s family gatherings.
2. You Don’t Consider Yourself Single
Other people are hitting on you, but you reject their advances because you’re seeing someone. You don’t entertain the thought of dating anyone else since you’re committed to the one you’re currently dating.
On top of these, you feel attached enough to turn down other potentials because you don’t want to lose them in your life.
3. You Know You Don’t Want Anyone Else But Them
You’ve grown tired or uninterested in investing time, energy, and attention into seeing other people romantically.
Moreover, you have already incorporated one another into your lives.
4. You Feel Your Best Self Around Them
You know you’re ready to date exclusively when this person brings out the best in you.
You feel the happiest you’ve ever felt, not just in the relationship. You’re constantly in a good mood and generally enjoy life much more.
While you’ve always lived an amazing life regardless, you notice improvements whenever they’re around.
5. You Can See a Future Together
Do you see yourself still seeing that person months from now, maybe even years? Can you picture doing things together in the future?
No matter how near or far that image may be, if those things excite you, it’s an obvious sign that you’re ready to stamp the exclusive label on the relationship.
But What Do You Want?
Dating and exclusivity go hand-in-hand if you want to commit. If you want to take that step, then it’s the best time to have that relationship-defining conversation.
However, if you feel you aren’t ready to be exclusively dating, be honest with that person. There’s no need to force yourself into a box that doesn’t fit.
Stay true to yourself and the person you’re seeing. This way, everyone involved can take the right course of action moving forward.