Whether you and your partner are looking to post your first Instagram pic together or you’re setting appointments to look at engagement rings, there are a few questions you should ask yourself and your partner before taking any relationship to the next level.
Even though all relationships are different, these questions can help you figure out where you stand so you can move in the right direction. No matter how much you two have in common, your relationship will not evolve unless you two are on the same page about your goals and your future.
Below are five questions you should ask yourself and your partner before you take your relationship to the next level.
1. What are your love languages?
Everyone has a preferred way to give and receive love. This concept is categorized into five different categories: words of affirmation, acts of service, receiving gifts, quality time, and physical touch. It’s important to know each other’s languages to better articulate your needs and connect with one another.
2. What are your conflict styles?
You should know how you and your partner manage conflict to navigate disagreements and move forward together. There are tons of resources online for you to find out your conflict style and learn how to effectively deal with arguments in a compassionate manner. This is an important step towards becoming more serious with your partner.
3. What are the expectations for your relationship?
In a world of hook-up culture and ethical non-monogamy, it’s important for you and your partner to be on the same page about your relationship expectations. Are you 100% exclusive? Are you interested in pursuing other relationships as a couple? Do you want to become exclusive at some point? These relationship parameters will keep you from straining your relationship in the long run.
4. Why did your last relationship end?
Talking about your exes isn’t always as bad as it sounds. It’s important for you two to reflect on past relationships and why they did not work – there’s no point in making the same mistake twice! These conversations will help you navigate your relationship in a healthy and intentional direction.
5. What are your plans for the next 5-10 years?
If things are getting serious with your partner, it’s smart to discuss what your plans are for the future. We understand that not everybody plans 5-10 years ahead, but it’s worth knowing what your general ideas are about the future.
