dating vs. relationship

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-06-2003
dating vs. relationship
1
Mon, 02-23-2004 - 8:26pm
This is a general question from someone who is not too experienced in dating/relationships. How do you know if you have moved from the dating stage to the relationship stage? Does there have to be this talk to move to the next stage or do you just know? In dating, especially in the beginning, there seem to be some general rules that women make such as not calling the guy, let the guy pursue you, play it cool. Do those same rules apply in a relationship also? Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Tue, 02-24-2004 - 9:00am
For me it's been a combination of both - a feeling and a connection plus a discussion since I won't have intercourse without exclusivity. As far as pursuing I think when you're exclusive and dating awhile it's completely workable for both persons to be equally involved in making plans - there is no more asking out as you know you will probably see each other at least once a week and usually on the weekends.

I think it's different in every case but I agree with the Rules Book that the letting the man pursue continues to be healthy in a relationship albeit to a very small degree once you are exclusive - one of the main reasons I see is if you perceive he needs a little space, let him do the asking and the calling so that you are being selfless and not overwhelming him.


Edited 2/24/2004 9:01:50 AM ET by deena33