Stages of a Relationship
Got a thing with a guy but don’t know where you stand? Or really aren’t keen for the ‘what are we’ chat? Well lucky for you Her Campus have produced a little Relationship guide so you know exactly where you stand.
Talking
Talking is definitely the first stage of a relationship. It’s where you are getting to know the person but with a romantic twinge to it, not a heavy one though, but as much as a little sprinkle. You guys are getting familiar over some casually messaging and in these circumstances slow replies are tolerated, as it’s friendly wholesome chat. Due to it’s purely casual setting, you may or may not bump into them at Top Top TP and have a cheeky snog. As it’s probably on the down low, you probably haven’t gone out to tell most of your friends but will slide it into conversation and as and when it comes up. Talking is simply having a thorough suss of what the person is all about.
Dating
Now this may be a controversial second stage of a relationship, as dating doesn’t always occur. Dating is more likely to occur when you’ve met on a dating app such as Bumble or Tinder, as people tend to feel more comfortable meeting a stranger in a public setting and are likely to continue getting to know one other on these dates. You may be going out for coffee or a few drinks, maybe even a meal out if the student budget can justify it (*dreams*). Dating has a greater tendency to lead to a relationship as it’s an indicator that you both want to really get to know one another in a ‘coupley way’. A sexual relationship isn’t typically on the cards but perhaps you aren’t averse to a French kiss or two. Dating is getting to know each other in a more formal setting, Dating tends to progress to ‘Seeing each other’ in a typical turn of events.
Seeing each other
Seeing each other can be seen to say a lot, but due to the breadth and depth of interpretation, no one really knows what it stands for. At this stage, you’ve got to know one another and are getting pretty comfortable in each other’s company. It tends to involve ‘hanging out’ at one another’s humble abodes and becoming a friendly face with one another’s housemates, or maybe a familiar noise 😉. On that note, a sexual relationship may or may not have been instigated. You have become a regular feature in one another’s lives and frequently enjoy their company. But seeing each other brings more complications then meets the eye, there’s no consensus as to if sleeping/dating/talking to others is acceptable. Her Campus unfortunately brings you no answer, you know your relationship better than anyone else and will be a fair judge as to if that line has been crossed. But what is likely to be the case is that they won’t be best pleased but try to be as upfront as possible about where you stand even if you haven’t hit the exclusive button quite yet. Seeing each other is seen as the exciting start to something new!
Exclusive
Now this is when it’s serious. You are formally seeing each other one the basis that neither party will get with anyone else, as you have a mutual agreement of complete and utter loyalty. This is often the lily pad between seeing each other and the real deal, but you are wanting to take a little break before it becomes official. Some would argue at this late stage ‘You guys are basically together in all but name’, this can often be the case. However some in fact like to be seeing each other with exclusivity, as it gives the relationship that extra comfort blanket. Exclusivity is very much the pre-set to being your tings other half.
Relationship
Now this is the real deal, you are partners/each-others other half/ boyfriend/girlfriend! How exciting! You clearly have feelings big-time and envisage a happy and bright future together! Love is definitely on the horizon.