Image: Instagram/Arianagrande
Love is a beautiful thing. However, some of us try to rush into it even when we aren’t quite ready. Here are the signs to look out for to see if a relationship is what should be next for you, or well… therapy. Remember, patience is a virtue!
Not Ready:
1. You’re Lonely
Learn to be by yourself first. Do you hate your own company? Constantly making plans with friends so you don’t spend a second alone? A relationship isn’t 50/50 it’s 100/100 so make sure you are whole and secure with yourself first.
2. You’re In A Bad Place
Are you going through a hard time? A bad breakup perhaps? Maybe you would welcome a distraction in the form of a hot man. The problem is, rushing into something with someone when you should be rushing to therapy always ends in disaster. Nobody can take the pain away. Heal on your own first.
3. All Your Friends Are In One
Feeling left out? Do you stay back during their weekly double date nights? I know it can be frustrating but rushing to find the nearest partner for the sake of being included doesn’t give you enough time to properly vet them. Everyone is on their own timeline, so what if you’re single right now? Date around and find the person who’s actually right for you.
4. You Want The Person, Not The Relationship
Fixating on a particular person? Maybe that hot guy from the gym finally asked you out and you are dying to make it work. The thing is, he’s only human and doesn’t deserve the pedestal you put him on. This also goes for your toxic cheating ex who you keep going back to because you have “history.” Don’t date for potential, date for who the person is now.
5. Social Pressures
Want to have a cute Tiktok relationship? Is Mom asking when she’s going to get some grandkids? Social media can make even the most perfect of couples feel incompetent. Try to limit the time you spend consuming curated relationship content. You aren’t missing out and rushing into a relationship is worse than being a fulfilled single. Give it time.
Ready:
1. You Are Looking For Someone To Add To Your Life, Not Fix It
You’re in a good place emotionally and have an idea of what you’re doing in life. You want to be a mom so you look for someone to settle down with. You want to be a careerwoman so you look for someone to support you. No matter what you’re doing, you know what you want and therefore what you’re looking for. You want to find someone to compliment you perfectly.
2. You Have Realistic Expectations
When we were young we all had that fantasy of being swept away by a rich and gorgeous prince. Unless you are Megan Markle or Kate Middleton that probably isn’t your reality. Now, I’m not saying don’t have high standards and want a fairy-tale style of love. I’m simply saying your prince may have student loans, may have crooked teeth, or even a Kia soul. Regardless, you know that nobody’s perfect, and don’t judge them to a perfect standard.
3. You Found The Right Person
You’ve taken the time to get to know someone special. They give you butterflies. You can’t imagine them not being a part of your life. You are both whole people ready for a relationship and have agreed on and discussed what your relationship should entail. No matter what it took to find them, you have them now and you aren’t letting them go.
4. You Have Your Own Identity
You are doing your own thing. Your life and identity don’t revolve around dating that person. You love being with them but you don’t always have to be. Once again, you are your own person and you are whole.
5. You Know How To Communicate
You’ve matured enough to properly handle any issues within the relationship. The days of storming out of the house and blocking their number for attention are over. A healthy relationship is one that values strong communication. You two have just that.
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