According to Trespicio, if you’re certain about your desire for a more serious relationship, it’s a good idea to express your readiness to transition from a casual to a committed partnership. She recommends articulating the type of relationship you desire and the reasons behind it, all while defining your understanding of commitment without resorting to issuing ultimatums.

Contrary to what your mother might believe, the days of straightforward dating, where you’d simply ask someone to “go steady,” are long behind us. Going on a few dates doesn’t automatically make a relationship official. Let’s be honest: The journey from casual to committed in today’s complex world of 21st-century dating is, well, more intricate.

Nevertheless, it can be frustrating when you’ve been spending time with someone consistently for a few months and remain uncertain about the status of your connection. So, when you’re looking to transition from a casual involvement to a committed relationship, what’s the right course of action? Regrettably, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Terri Trespicio, a New York City-based lifestyle and relationship expert, emphasizes that “every individual and relationship is unique, and there’s no single phrase or action that guarantees commitment.”

Moving from casual dating to a committed relationship is a significant and often complex step in the dating process. It requires open and honest communication between both parties, a mutual desire for commitment, and a clear understanding of what a committed relationship means to both individuals. Here are some steps to help make this transition:

Self-reflection: Before you move from casual dating to a committed relationship, it’s essential to understand your own feelings and motivations. Consider what you want from a relationship, your long-term goals, and your compatibility with the person you’re dating.

Communicate your intentions: Have an open and honest conversation with your partner about your desire to take the relationship to the next level. It’s crucial to be clear about your intentions and ask them about their feelings and desires as well.

Define what a committed relationship means to you: Different people may have different definitions of a committed relationship. It’s important to discuss and agree on what this means for both of you. This could include exclusivity, long-term commitment, and shared values or life goals.

Give it time: Transitioning from casual dating to a committed relationship should not be rushed. Take the time to get to know each other better, build trust, and ensure that you are both ready for the commitment.

Exclusivity: If you both agree that a committed relationship involves exclusivity, make sure to stop dating other people and focus on each other.

Communicate openly: Healthy communication is the foundation of a successful committed relationship. Discuss your feelings, expectations, and any concerns that may arise as you transition into this new phase.

Meet each other’s friends and families: Introducing your partner to your friends and family and meeting theirs can be a significant step in building a committed relationship.

Shared goals and values: Ensure that you share common values and long-term goals. This will help strengthen the foundation of your relationship and reduce potential conflicts down the road.

Work through challenges: Every relationship faces challenges and conflicts. It’s essential to develop effective conflict resolution skills and be willing to work through difficulties together.

Celebrate milestones: As your relationship becomes more committed, celebrate milestones and achievements together. This can help solidify the bond and create positive memories.

Plan for the future: Discuss your long-term plans and how you see your relationship evolving. This may involve discussions about living together, marriage, or other shared commitments.

Enjoy the journey: The transition from casual dating to a committed relationship should be a positive and enjoyable experience. Embrace the opportunities for growth and intimacy that come with this change.

Remember that not all casual relationships will naturally evolve into committed ones, and that’s okay. It’s important to respect each other’s choices and feelings throughout the process. If you find that you and your partner are not on the same page, it may be best to part ways and seek relationships that align with your goals and desires. Communication, trust, and mutual respect are key to a successful transition to a committed relationship.