You’ve been dating this person for a while and it’s starting to feel like more than just dating. Maybe the initial burst of infatuation has settled down into something more solid.
But how many dates do you need before making it official? Ultimately, this decision is personal and varies from person to person.
1. Meeting in person
In the beginning, you will need to meet in person. This will allow you to get a feel for each other’s personalities and see whether you are compatible. It is also important to know each other’s values, interests, and goals.
The next step is to start dating regularly. This could be as little as once a week or even several times a month. It depends on your schedules and the amount of time you have available to spend with each other.
While you may be eager to enter a relationship, it’s important not to rush things too quickly. Remember, it takes time to build intimacy and move toward exclusivity. It’s also important to be aware of your own mental and emotional state as you enter a new relationship. This can help you avoid becoming too invested too soon and getting hurt. It is also helpful to consult a relationship therapist for further guidance.
2. Getting to know each other’s personalities
Getting to know each other’s personalities and values is key in any relationship. This will help you to decide whether the two of you are compatible and if you want to make things official. This is especially important if you have different goals for your relationships. For example, some people may be fine with sex only being casual and fun, while others might be hoping for something more serious.
According to Healthline, there are several indicators that a person is ready for a more serious relationship. These include a change in behavior, such as becoming more secretive or not talking about other people. Another sign is a clear lack of interest in other relationships, such as deleting dating apps on your phone.
While it’s easy to get caught up in the initial infatuation, it’s important to remember that compatibility is more than just how much you like each other. It’s also about how much you can depend on each other and your shared interests and goals.
3. Getting to know each other’s values
Getting to know your date’s values is important. It helps you determine whether they are a good fit for you and your own personal morals. It can also help you avoid misunderstandings or miscommunication.
Dating is different for everyone, so there’s no set number of dates before a relationship becomes official. However, there are some milestones you should look for to see if it’s time to make the transition to exclusive dating or a serious relationship.
If your partner is asking you about how you view relationships and what you want in a long-term commitment, it’s probably time to bring up the topic of making things official. Additionally, if your date tells you they’re not seeing anyone else, this is a sign that they are interested in a committed relationship. This is a big step and shows that they value your time and relationship.
4. Getting to know each other’s likes and dislikes
Once you’ve passed the 10-date mark, it’s a sign that you’re starting to get to know each other very well. You can start to spend more time together – whether it’s doing a grocery run, hanging out at each other’s houses, or just Netflxing.
This is when you start to talk more about each other’s likes and dislikes, which is a good indication that you’re both into the same things. You may also start to see each other’s friends more, or even introduce your families to one another.
At this point, you’re probably ready to have a conversation about exclusivity. If you’re ready to make it official, your partner will be too. They’ll stop looking for other dates, and they might even mute their dating apps on their phone. This is a clear sign that they want to commit to you.
5. Getting to know each other’s family
After a few dates, you’ve probably spent a lot of time together and have become quite close. If you are interested in taking things further, it’s likely that you will want to introduce your date to your family members. This is a great way to get to know them better and build a strong bond with them. It is important to prepare for this date by coming up with some good icebreaker questions.
There is no set number of dates before a relationship, and it really depends on how serious you feel about your partner. However, there are some signs that you should look for. These include:
6. Getting to know each other’s friends
It’s likely that you’ll go on at least ten dates before having the “exclusive” talk. During this time, you’ll get to see each other in different settings and perhaps even have group dates. You’ll have serious conversations about the future such as whether you both want children and how many, where you both would like to live, and your attitudes towards money.
You’ll also start to spend more and more time together – doing things like running errands, spending weekends at each other’s houses, hanging out with mutual friends or even just Netflix-ing on the sofa. If they begin asking you if you want to be exclusive, or if they want a commitment, it may be time to consider making your relationship official. However, keep in mind that everyone is different and every relationship is unique. It could be a few months before you have this conversation.
