Getting into a new relationship is awesome. But chemistry isn’t everything — the timing has to be right, too.
However, instead of bluntly explaining why you shouldn’t rush into a relationship, read on for tips on how to know when it’s the right time to get into a relationship with someone.
You Know What You Want
It’s a statistical fact that most relationships don’t last forever. And most relationships come to an end because both partners weren’t on the same page. You’re only setting yourself up for drama if you don’t know what you want out of your potential significant other. If you don’t know what to expect out of a relationship, how is your partner supposed to know how to make you happy?
You Know You’re Ready
OK, so you know what you want, but now you need to make sure you’re ready. Many people head into relationships shortly after a bad breakup, but we don’t blame them. Some might feel empty and think they need a significant other for their life to feel complete — and that can be because they don’t feel comfortable being alone. But it’s important to make sure you’re happy with yourself first because nobody else can do that for you, especially your potential partner.
You Have the Time
Sparks may fly and you both might have all the chemistry in the world, but without time, all that is moot. We all have dreams and aspirations — places we want to see, things we want to do, goals we want to accomplish — but relationships can take a toll on those things. Because, like everything in life, relationships take time and you don’t want to burn yourself out. It’s a good idea to take a step back, evaluate your life, and see if you even have the actual capacity (even emotionally) to take on a relationship.
You Know What You’re Getting Yourself Into
Having a significant other is fun and a relationship can have a positive impact on your life, but relationships are hard work. You will be sorely disappointed if you go into a relationship thinking you’ll be waited on hand and foot — it’s actually quite the opposite. You’ll have to compromise (whether you like it or not) and put their needs before yours because that’s what you do when you truly care about someone. It will be incredibly rewarding, but just make sure you know what a relationship entails.
You Got to Know the Person
Dating and hooking up is fine (you do you, boo!) but maintaining a serious relationship takes more than that initial attraction. Get to know each other’s pasts, idiosyncrasies, and interests because they’re all building blocks to a healthy, happy relationship. Besides, doesn’t it feel even better that this person knows your faults and loves you regardless? Poet Archibald Bronson expressed it best when he said, “Friendship is the essence of dating and the foundation of marriage.”
xx, The FabFitFun Team
