Taking Your Relationship to the Next Level: Is It Too Soon?

Most couples think about when they’re ready to take the relationship to the next level.

Picture this.

You’re on a romantic date with your partner; a candlelit dinner, soft music playing in the background, you’re in your best suit and she’s in her best dress.

She laughs at something you say and your heart catches in your throat. You discreetly wipe the sweat off your hands, wondering if this is the moment to ask the big question.

Now, the ‘big question’ in question doesn’t have to be a marriage proposal.

It can be an invitation to move in together or a confirmation on whether you want to make things official.

Either way, it signifies a huge change in your relationship.

But you’re wondering, is this even the right step forward?

Is she ready?

Am I ready?

All these questions start swirling around your head and doubts about your relationship start creeping in.

You’re right to get nervous about bringing the topic up, to an extent, because it allows you to reflect and really think things through.

After all, making big changes in your relationship isn’t something you’re supposed to rush into.

So, how can you tell when your relationship is ready for the next stage?

There is trust and unconditional support.

Love and affection are a given, but trust and unconditional support are two things that, unfortunately, not all relationships have.

Without the two, your relationship is doomed to fail.

So ask yourself this, do you trust your partner to always have your back and do you trust yourself to always have hers?

If so, you should have no problem taking your relationship to the next level.

You can be vulnerable with each other.

A relationship where you can’t be open with each other isn’t much of a relationship to begin with.

You should be able to lay yourself bare, figuratively, in front of your partner without any fear of being judged or misunderstood.

When you’re able to reach that kind of intimacy that is less physical and purely emotional, it strengthens the connection that both of you share.

A strong emotional bond bodes for a positive future in your relationship.

Your relationship is in a healthy place.

Are love and respect present in your relationship?

Do you communicate with each other well?

Are you proud to be seen with each other?

Do you feel safe and loved in your relationship?

No relationship is perfect, but it doesn’t hurt to try and reach a level of perfection. In fact, it’s a better idea to do so.

Your relationship should be a source of happiness and security, and it shouldn’t be actively harming you both. If it is, it may be a good idea to step back and re-evaluate things.

When you’re ready, you’ll know it.

When you’re ready to take your relationship to the next level, you’ll know it. It can be hard to define or explain, but it’s a feeling that you just have.

Once you get that feeling, communicate it to your partner to see if you’re both on the same page.

It can be terrifying to lay your heart on the line like that, but it’s normal to want more from your relationship, especially if you’re serious about it.

And the only way you can take that step forward is by doing it together.