It can be difficult to define your romantic relationship with your partner.To ensure you are both on the same page, you may want to define your relationship so you know the commitment level between you and your partner.You should speak to your partner about your status as a couple at the right time.It is possible to observe your partner's actions and work on maintaining the relationship so it can be fulfilling for you both.
Step 1: You should wait a few dates to have the talk.
Don't talk about defining your relationship on the first date.Give your partner and you time to get to know each other.Take a few dates and feel each other out.It's time to talk about where your relationship is going when you start to feel very intimate with your partner.The timing of the discussion depends on how you are feeling with your partner.After a few dates, you can get a sense of your partner's dating history and what you want in the relationship.Before you have sex with your partner, you can have a discussion.This is up to you.
Step 2: Talk to your partner alone.
You should have the discussion in person so you can see how your partner is feeling.Pick a place where you can be alone and comfortable, such as at your apartment or partner's home.It can be hard to express your feelings over text, so don't have the conversation over it.If you want a face to face conversation, go for it.
Step 3: How are you feeling about the relationship?
Use "I" statements to express your feelings to your partner.They know where you stand by sharing your feelings.It is possible that this will help to clarify their feelings and show them that you have thought a lot about the relationship.You could say, for example, "I just want you to know that I am invested in this relationship and want to see where it goes."Tell your partner what you want from them.
Step 4: Ask them how they feel about the relationship.
Let your partner know that you both define the relationship.Asking probing questions or encouraging statements will get them to open up about their perspective.You could say, "I know this can be awkward to talk about but I just wondered where you see this relationship going."Please tell the truth.
Step 5: You should listen to what your partner has to say.
Make sure you really listen to what they have to say once you have expressed where you stand and asked for their perspective.Make eye contact with them so they know you're listening.Don't interrupt them.Listen to them out.Your partner may give you the answer you are looking for.They can give you an answer that is different from what you want.You should be prepared for either scenario.
Step 6: Do you have expectations for the relationship?
Let your partner know what you want from the relationship.If you want a monogamous relationship, you might want to explain to your partner why it's important to you.Explain to them why trust and honesty are important to you and let them know that you value them.
Step 7: If you both agree on the terms of the relationship, you can move forward.
You may both be ready to be monogamous after the discussion.You may both agree to keep things casual.You should be able to move forward with your relationship if you are both on the same page.You could say, "I'm glad we both agree on the status of our relationship."Make sure to define what a monogamous relationship means to you.Does monogamy mean that you can only date each other?Is it ok to flirt with other people?If you are monogamous, how often do you see your partner?
Step 8: If your definitions are different, take some time to rethink.
You may need time apart from your partner to reexamine the relationship if they are not on the same page.You can decide if you want to see the person or not.You can say to your partner, "I don't think we're on the same page about our relationship."It might be a good idea to take some time apart to reexamine what we want.
Step 9: You should be aware if your partner goes on dates with other people.
You can get a sense of what your relationship means to your partner by observing their actions.They probably don't see your relationship as exclusive if they are seeing other people.They may want to keep the relationship casual.This may not bother you if you and your partner have agreed on something.You can keep the relationship casual or open.You may need to have a more in depth discussion about your relationship with your partner.
Step 10: Look at how you are treated by your partner.
If your partner introduces you quickly to his friends and family, notice.They might suggest you meet their parents for dinner or invite you to hang out with friends.They are interested in a more committed relationship with you and are taking it seriously.If your partner suggests that you spend time with their friends and family on a regular basis, you should notice.They may be trying to let you know that they want the relationship to continue.When you suggest spending time with your friends and family, pay attention to how your partner reacts.
Step 11: You should pay attention to how much time and energy your partner puts into the relationship.
Maybe your partner texts you at least once a day, or they spend a lot of time planning your dates.They may be able to see you several times a week.These are signs that your partner wants the relationship to be meaningful and that they like spending time with you on a regular basis.You should only know how committed your partner is to the relationship if you ask them and have a discussion about it.
Step 12: Communication needs to be open and honest.
Don't be afraid to talk about your feelings with your partner.A healthy relationship will allow you both to know how you are feeling and listen to each other's thoughts with respect.Asking your partner, "How are you?" or "tell me what you're thinking" can keep communication open and honest.Do the same with them.
Step 13: Discuss issues with your partner.
Don't allow issues in your relationship to get out of hand.You can discuss them together if you bring them to the forefront.Don't ignore the issues you are having or brush them under the rug.This will make the situation worse.You can say to your partner, "I have an issue with how much time you are spending with your friends, can we talk about it?"
Step 14: As soon as possible, address unmet needs.
It is important to address this issue as soon as possible if you don't feel like your needs are being met in your current relationship.There are signs that your needs are not being met in the relationship.Experiencing a decline in health is one of the signs.You should avoid your partner.A lot of the time, the person feels drained or tired.It feels like you can't share important things with your partner.There is constant tension between you and your partner.There isn't enough time with your partner.There is a lack of principles or values between you and your partner.
Step 15: If you need to, revisit the status of your relationship.
Relationships change over time.If your feelings have changed, you may need to revisit the definition of your relationship.Discuss this issue face to face when you sit down.Work together to come up with a new definition for your relationship.You could say to your partner, "I feel like our relationship has shifted and we need to talk about what we mean to each other."