Signs that your relationship is getting serious
The process of pair bonding in humans usually occurs in stages. As a result, the transition to a higher level of bonding or intimacy in a relationship will manifest itself through various overt and covert signs. Perhaps you're just getting starting and want to know how things are progressing. Or maybe you sense that your relationship has long-term potential. The following signs provide good signs that your relationship is getting serious.
Introduction to family and friends
This is arguably one of the easier signs that things are assuming a higher degree of permanence. When you are introduced to the persons who matter in your partner's life, it may suggest that you would actually be part of that group for some time to come.
Discussion of a common future
This does not necessarily include whether you want to go on a cruise together next year, but the topics would center on settling down, the possibility of children, financial affairs, religion and career ambitions. Even conversation topics that you may avoid initially would now become current topics with your partner. This is usually a decent indicator that the relationship is heading to a higher level.
Considering co-habitation
Although many couples are choosing to live together, very few people take living together lightly. Sometimes cohabiting is a prelude to marriage or viewed as a permanent arrangement. When couples embrace the notion of moving in, they are making their relationship more serious by broadening and deepening the commitment.
PDA
Public displays of affection are for couples who are assured in their relationship. This does not necessarily mean smooching in the park; it could be as simple as hand-holding. This is a more potent indicator if either partner were shy about PDA prior to that.
Consultation
This signifies that the couple no longer views themselves as disparate individuals, but as one team – a unit. If you feel compelled to get the feedback or approval of your partner, this is a good sign if you want things to get serious.
Emotional intimacy
Robert Sternberg identified intimacy as one of the three determinants of the shape of love. When you cross the threshold from routine or superficial communication to those aspects of your life that only a few persons know, things may be progressing. This sharing creates a deeper bond – even among friends. It signals deeper trust and the desire to make your partner even more special in your life.
This list is not exhaustive, and there may be other signs that are contingent on your particular circumstances. Still, when you find yourself thinking about it often and carving out a niche for your relationship in these ways, it is a strong indication of how things are progressing. In addition, once there are simultaneous signs you can safely bet your life savings that the relationship is not a short-term fling.
