Meeting a significant other online through a dating site has become the norm in society today. As this new trend emerges, new questions in how to navigate this dating scene also arise. If you’ve met online, one of the most common concerns is how to know when the right time is to take your relationship to the next level. Although it can be confusing, luckily, there are a few tell-tale signs showing you and your partner are ready to move forward.
You know each other’s morals
An important part of any relationship is understanding not only the person that you are in love with. But also understanding yourself. Values, beliefs, core principles, and upbringings all play a part in who you are as a person. And can drastically shape how you view the world, and different situations you might encounter.
Fortunately, in your relationship, you don’t need to agree on every belief exactly. But having the capacity to respect one another and your opposing views is crucial to a healthy relationship. If you have not yet already, talk to your online significant other about what is important to you. Be sure to be open and understanding to their values as well. If you are able to have a constructive conversation. This shows that you have a clear foundation of respect, which is a great sign that the two of you may be ready to take the next step in your relationship.
You trust your partner
A necessary component of a long-lasting relationship is acquiring a certain level of trust between one another and having faith in where your journey will take you. For online relationships, in particular, you must believe what the other person is saying. Whether there have been infidelity or family issues in the past, open up to one another about your experiences. Honesty can help you both to avoid difficulties or a lack of trust in the future.
Conversations around trust can also present an opportunity to discuss previous relationships or problems from the past. Having an understanding of what your partner needs, and setting healthy boundaries for each other encourages a relationship to grow and develop confidence in what you share. There are specific tips to build trust in a relationship, and communicating openly with your online partner plays an essential role in continuing your connection.
You have had the “money talk”
Whether we like to admit it or not, having a financial discussion with someone you are seeing is an integral part of taking the relationship to the next level. Although money is often a sensitive subject. If you see a serious future with someone, you must be able to communicate plans. And how you will best be able to support one another moving forward as well.
In fact, studies have shown that 20% of couples who don’t manage finances together plan to leave the person they’re in a relationship with due to financial problems. To avoid adding stress to your developing relationship. Take time to discuss how you plan to supply an income, and financially support one another down the road. A great place to start this discussion is by looking at life insurance options together, which you can also conveniently secure online. Though life insurance may seem like an expense to explore later on, it is wise if you plan on naming one another as a beneficiary now. Especially if you hope to start a family together or plan on buying a home in the future. Showing a willingness to each other that you promise to take care of each other no matter what can strengthen your bond. And be a display of readiness to move on to the next stage of your love story.
You know the people in their lives
Meeting the person you’re in a relationship with online presents a unique set of challenges. Especially if you have yet to meet in person but feel a strong urge that the relationship will continue to develop and grow stronger. Even if there are physical limitations of meeting one another in person or not. It is still important that you take the time to get to know the different people in your significant other’s life.
Whether it consists of their family, close friends, pets, or co-workers. Having an awareness of the different people loving your partner can bring you both closer. Also, help you better envision a future with them. So while it’s understandable that you might be nervous about introducing your boyfriend or girlfriend to your parents, there are ways to make the introduction more comfortable for both you and your partner. Bringing your two worlds together can create an environment for your bond to become even more powerful.
You see a happy future together
Although this may seem like an obvious sign of a relationship’s need to progress further, it is more common than one might think that people stay together for the wrong reasons. Maybe one of you is afraid of being alone or is purposefully overlooking red flags in the relationship. Take some time to stop and seriously consider if you see a long and happy future with the person you are with.
In terms of the future, make sure you are thinking long term. While you might be happy now, or even eight months from now. Be sure that you can envision this person in your goals and visions down the road. The term ‘someone to spend the rest of your life with’ should not be taken lightly. So remember that this person should support your passions, happiness, and health no matter what happens.
Online dating is an exciting opportunity to meet the love of your life. And when you think you have found your soulmate, consider these five signs as the go-ahead in progressing your relationship. While some are more obvious than others, each can allow you to feel confident that you have found the right person and give you the clarity necessary to take the next step. Do I hear wedding bells?
