6 Signs the Talking Stage of Your Relationship Will Lead to More
Modern relationships are quite the complicated dance.
You're flirting, then you're talking constantly and hanging out every weekend, then suddenly it's six months down the line and you're suffering the terrible effects of a breakup, even though you never really agreed to date this person in the first place. Or maybe that's just me.
Either way, it can be difficult to suss out exactly what's happening in your romance, especially if you've found yourself trapped in the oh-so-difficult "talking" stage. Since everyone defines relationship stages differently, it's important to note that we're referring to the talking stage as the period when you and your crush have expressed a mutual interest in each other, you're hanging out and chatting pretty regularly, but you're not yet in an official, defined relationship.
Unfortunately, since this stage basically involves testing the waters and seeing where things go, it can be really difficult to determine if you'll actually make it to the DTR conversation.
Thankfully, we might be able to help. Keep scrolling for six signs the talking stage of your relationship will lead to more.
1. You Try New Things
An unfortunate hallmark of the talking stage is that things can become pretty mundane pretty quickly. We tend to fall into patterns, so chatting with your crush all week and then hanging out on Saturday night to grab dinner and see a movie can feel totally normal. However, if your relationship seems to follow a pattern, it's not a very good sign.
Relationships, especially at the beginning, should be filled with excitement to be with the person and a genuine desire to try new things together. If you've fallen into a pattern of behavior, it's a pretty clear sign that's the spark's gone before your relationship really got a chance to develop. Therefore, if you and your crush are excited to venture out and are constantly looking for new ways to spend your time together, you just might make it out of the dreaded talking stage.
2. You Spend Time With Each Other's Circle
Much like doing the same old thing over and over, the talking stage is also defined by spending a lot of one-on-one time with your crush. This isn't a negative thing—after all, you're both trying to learn more about each other and discover if this could be a real relationship. It's not a bad sign to spend all your time with one another, but it's a good sign if you start transitioning into hanging out with other people together. Spending time with each other's friends, or even meeting family members, is a clear indication that this person is making an effort to integrate you into their life. It's suggestive of more couple-y behavior, and may be a sign that you're on your way to that official status.
3. There's Progress in Your Interactions
The talking stage can be a frustrating time. Since you're not officially in a relationship, some people take that undefined status as an opportunity to be fairly inconsistent when it comes to your time together. If you've been in the talking stage for a while and you still expend a large chunk of your energy wondering when you'll hear from your crush or questioning whether it's too pushy to ask if they want to hang out this week, it's not a good sign.
If you're headed towards a more serious relationship, there should be a natural progression in your interactions. You start off nervous and worried, but the more time you spend together, the more comfortable you feel. It becomes increasingly natural to expect that they'll text you every morning, or that you'll see them pretty consistently. If your relationship is moving in this steady, forward direction, you're probably on the path to a defined romance.
4. You Talk About It
It should be a fairly clear signal, but it's still worth pointing out. If you and your crush are able to talk about your relationship openly, including where things are heading, you're probably on the path towards something serious. Someone who doesn't want to date you or doesn't even see things becoming official will do their best to avoid those potential awkward conversations. Talking openly about how you feel and what you want in the future indicates you're both comfortable and committed enough to continue putting effort into this romance. It doesn't mean everything will work out perfectly, but it's a good sign that you're on the right track.
5. You're Open on Social Media
While we're not the biggest fans of defining your relationships based on social media interactions, they can be telling. If you and your crush are fairly open online—putting each other on your stories, commenting on one another's posts, or even putting up photos together—it's a good sign that things are headed down a serious path. It's a tiny way of indicating to the world that you're together and that you're not afraid if other people know about it. It takes your relationship into a more public space, indicating that neither of you are opposed to things developing into a more official status.
6. You Feel Secure
Sometimes, knowing where your relationship is headed is all about examining your own feelings. The talking stage is naturally anxiety-inducing, as it's understandably difficult and frustrating when you don't know exactly where you stand with someone. Therefore, if you feel fairly secure in your relationship, and those anxious feelings aren't as prevalent as they used to be, you're probably on the path towards a serious romance. Your gut can figure things out when you can't, so feeling calm and happy in your budding romance indicates things are on the right path.
In need of more dating advice? Click HERE for five early signs your relationship will last.