Being exclusive is not just a label but it's a way to take your relationship up a notch and commit yourself to just one partner. No formula of any kind can tell you when to go exclusive. You will just have to rely on your instincts and your partner's thoughts. For some people, the line between being in a relationship and being exclusive is not clear. They say that it's the same thing while others call separate them. However, the meaning of being exclusive is the same for everyone: to date just one person.
When to Be Exclusive?
The right time to go exclusive is different for everyone. This is because every relationship can never be the same. But, in every relationship, there are some signs that indicate that you and your partner want to become exclusive. The signs are always subtle, so try not to miss them.
1. You are not interested in other people
When you find the right person for you, you stop thinking about others. You will notice this change when someone attractive shows interest in you but you ignore them and walk away. You will also be less active on the dating sites you signed up for. If you were dating different people before, you have stopped doing that now because you care about your partner only.
2. Your chat is getting deep
What does chatting have to do with going exclusive? Good communication is the key to building a good relationship. When you start talking about personal things with the person you love, then it's time to take your relationship forward. When you start exploring deep subjects like hopes, dreams, fears, funny moments, disastrous events in life and even family matters; you start developing trust through deep conversations. You grow intimate in spirit and mind.
3. You think of him or her randomly
You can know when to go exclusive by noticing if you are randomly thinking about your partner. You might have gone to the supermarket or a festival and you see something they might like and you just buy it for them. When you are eating something you know your partner loves, you think about making it for them or eating at their favorite restaurant. Random things like a painting on the wall may remind you of your special person because you two talked about it. When you think about your partner most of the time, it's time to have the "talk on being exclusive".
4. You spend a lot of time together
You're not just dating but actually spending some quality time with each other to solidify the connection between the two of you. Both you and your partner will keep your weekends reserved for each other or any other day in the week. To spend the time together, you both might even plan a weekend getaway to some resort or countryside. Being together for a few days without the distraction of work and other things will help both of you to think and decide when to become exclusive.
You don't just spend your time with your love interest, you even call them routinely to catch up on them and because you want to hear their voice. If your partner is not overly fussy about choosing a time and location to meet, you can take this sign as him/her wanting to spend more time with you. He or she will not care about where you meet but that the two of you are meeting. Both of you will become each other's priority.
5. You are genuine with him or her
Are you being yourself when meeting your lover? Are they being honest in their actions and feelings when they're with you? If the answer is yes, then you should become exclusive. But if your love interest struggles to express their actual feelings to you, then you shouldn't commit. If they can't express how they feel around you, it could greatly affect your future relationship. If your partner is comfortable around you, then you have your answer to how serious your relationship is. When you are genuine, sincere and comfortable with each other, think about a long-term commitment.
6. You have introduced your loved ones to him or her
One sure way to know when to go exclusive is when you introduce your loved one to your family and friends. This act sends an open message to your lover that you want to advance your relationship. Their reaction to meeting your parents will tell you more about what further steps to take. The statement "love makes us blind" is very much applied in most relationships so your friends and family will point out his/her weaknesses even when you are unaware of it. They will help you see if your partner is the right person for you.
7. You got through a disagreement together
What do you think can qualify as a relationship tester? Conflicts and arguments, of course! When you have had a quarrel with your partner but your relationship has managed to survive, this is a good sign for you to consider going exclusive with them. If they aren't the one for you, they will not handle the argument very well. Arguments are quite common in any relationship. But if they don't understand what you have to say and your feelings don't matter to them, then it's time to move on from this relationship. The separation will hurt you for some time but it will be better for you in the long run.
How Long Should You Date?
People often have a problem with deciding how many dates they should have until a fully committed relationship. You want to take that next step in your current relationship but you don't know if it's the right time or not. Changes in your behaviors and some signs will give you an idea of when you should have "the talk" with them. If there is mutual trust, the intimacy of thoughts, behavior and action and good communication between the two of you, then you shouldn't be concerned about taking your relationship to the next level. You should go exclusive when both of you are sure of your feelings for each other.