Getting into a serious relationship is a super exciting thing, whether you’ve been in one before or it’s your first. Of course unlimited cuddles and having someone that’s always there for you are among the ooey-gooey aspects of a relationship, but having a romantic partner also comes with some serious discussions that need to be had in order to make the relationship successful.
I don’t mean you need to sit down and hash all the serious stuff out at once, or make a chart with all the facts and figures, but it’s very important to make sure you’re on the same page as someone you’re going to be serious with. As someone who has been in a serious relationship for some time now, I have a few suggestions of topics you and your partner should discuss in order to avoid conflict and miscommunications down the road.
As you’re getting into a relationship that’s still relatively new, it’s important to “DTR,” or in other words, define the relationship. All relationships are different, and some might start off with the classic “will you be my girlfriend/boyfriend” question, but others aren’t as crystal clear. In the case of the latter, it’s you and your partner’s responsibility to ask questions on your level of exclusivity, what you consider commitment, and other questions that make the maybe-blurred lines more defined.
Another early question to ask is, “How serious are we?” There isn’t one way to have a relationship, but again, it’s important for you and your significant other to agree on when you’re ready to share your relationship with other people, or if you’re ready to introduce each other to your families. You don’t need to be putting a ring on it any time soon, just don’t assume your partner automatically agrees with you.
Intimacy comes with the territory of romantic relationships, and it’s arguably one of the best parts. Being this intense and intimate with another person can be scary for some, or maybe your partner is less or more experienced than you are. This is why a discussion on what each other is comfortable with as far as intimacy is crucial. If you and your partner really care for each other, this discussion shouldn’t be an awkward one, but moreso one that helps you understand each other better.
Although some couples don’t have conflicting interests, different religious or political beliefs can have a huge impact on a relationship. Especially in our current situation in politics, it might be necessary to see where your partner stands on certain issues. This isn’t to say that you can’t have different beliefs than those of your partner, but for some people it can be a deal breaker.
There’s no “right” way to have a relationship, but I strongly believe that in order to grow with your partner, it is important to ask these kinds of questions. They may be serious conversations, but they can also be exciting. Finding out the answers to these questions can help you get to know your partner on a more intimate level and might even make you love them even more!