Things may be going well between you and the person you’ve seen. Having a relationship with them might feel different from dating other people. Things are moving forward positively because they make you feel happy and comfortable.
There may be times when you want to go exclusive, but dating has also changed so much. What does being exclusive mean today?
Lisa Concepcion, a relationship expert, said, “People get so tripped up these days with ‘label aversion.’ They tiptoe around one another, wondering if they’re dating, dating exclusively, or are in a relationship.”
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The ambiguity of relationships can be mind-boggling. Concepcion advises having clear intentions about your life and dating style so that you can go into flings or relationships with clarity.
Exclusive Dating: What Does It Mean?
Concepcion said, “Put, dating exclusively means both people are only focused on one another. You intend to stay committed to each other in monogamy, but you still want to test things out. It’s also less stressful than immediately labeling things. They’re not juggling other people.”
As your lives naturally become more intertwined, this exclusive-dating process helps you. You might start hanging out with your friends on weekends or bookmark a funny meme to share later.
How Does That Differ From A Relationship?
A monogamous relationship goes beyond exclusivity because it involves committing to a future together. Concepcion said, “When it shifts into a relationship, there’s a focus on the longer term.”
You might not move in the next day, but it’s possible once you’ve established a relationship with this person. It takes time to build up to these life elements.
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Before Dating Exclusively, How Long Should You Wait?
It doesn’t matter how you do it. Maryanne Comaroto, Ph.D., a relationship psychologist, said, “Don’t we wish there were a magic answer for that?” However, she generally advises dating for 90 days, gives or take.
She said, “Ninety days is usually when you’ve had a chance to rupture and repair with someone, meaning you’ve run into some bumps.”