HOW TO KNOW IF YOUR RELATIONSHIP IS SERIOUS

You’re in a romantic relationship that you want to turn into something serious. The relationship has been going on and on without turning that crucial corner—marriage or an exclusive relationship. You really love your partner, but you can’t tell if he is serious about you in the same way. How do you know that this is a significant relationship?

The best way to know for sure is to reveal to your partner what you hope for and then ask what he desires for the relationship. Beyond that, there are several signs that your partner’s feelings are genuine.

Discussions about  the future

Partners in love (or committed to one another) are comfortable talking and fantasizing about the future—next weekend, holiday season or year. It doesn’t guarantee a future to imagine what life could be like together five or ten years from now, but the absence of any such hopeful plans is not a good sign. Also, if you start talking about future plans and your partner changes the subject or gets defensive, you are getting a message you should listen to—even if you don’t want to hear it.

Introductions

Someone who is serious about you wants you to know and spend time with their friends and family. They want to show you off. Ask yourself whether you know most or all of the people who matter to this person. Also, just as important, someone who is sincere wants to know and impress your family and friends.

Ability to contact

Although you need to respect your partner’s plans, partners who are serious about each other know where and how to get a hold of each other at all times. In case of an emergency, aren’t the two of you a team? Also, if your partner is talking about how he needs “space” or “privacy,” ask for specifics (how long and for what)? It is one thing to want independence, which is okay, and another to want “space.”

Expression of love

If your partner is serious about you, he should be able to say “I love you,” without being prompted.

Bear in mind, the lack of these signals isn’t bad if you are in a young relationship. Keep a watch on whether things develop. But if you’ve been together for more than a year, and you don’t see the right signals, talk to your partner. You need to be honest with yourself, if your partner doesn’t want the same thing you do. Either change what you’re looking for or change your partner......smiles.