By: Natasha Archary
Keeping track of your relationship timeline
Before you whip out the celebratory bottle of bubbly, there are a few stages to reach in a relationship before things are “official”.
That indecisive phase where you’ve been on a few dates but neither of you have discussed your relationship status. Are you or aren’t you a couple? Let’s break down the modern day relationship timeline without stereotyping too much. You’ll then be able to figure out where you stand in this grand scheme of lovers.
From zero to the three month mark in sixty seconds
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First Date
If Tinder is anything to go by, it’s more a first meeting than a date. Either over coffee or drinks, it’s the first impression that this revolves around. You want to know if there’s dating potential before actually calling it a date.
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Second Date
If things go well on the first meeting, one of you may suggest an official date. Depending on your beliefs around sex, this is generally when the both of you discuss your views on physical intimacy. Hooking up is not uncommon on the first meeting or second date.
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Third Date
In this day and age, the third date calls for major celebratory drinks. Whether we care to admit it or not, it’s rare to be asked out consistently. You two must have incredible chemistry and something solid in common.
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One month
You’ve been together for a month. This is a huge deal. Now before you start picking out wedding venues ladies and gents, this is when you have the “talk”. Question the status of this vibe. Find out if you’re dating exclusively or if you are in a “situationship”.
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Three months
Well, this looks promising. Usually the three month mark means you’ve dealt with all the “weeds” and the garden is well maintained and watered regularly. In other words, it’s a smooth and committed relationship.
The halfway mark to the first anniversary
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Six months
This is when you meet their friends and family. Spending this much time together calls for it. This is when you get to know your partner from the perspective of their closest friends and family.
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Eight months
It’s safe to plan trips together or make plans for events and family functions that are lined up for later in the year. You two are headed towards “Insta-couple” worthy status.
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One Year
The novelty of the relationship wears off to a degree around the one-year mark. You both stop making as much of an effort because there’s a level of comfort now and you don’t NEED to try that hard. People tend to look for options either way so don’t think it’s something you can fix or change if cheating or lack of interest starts rearing its ugly head. There are couples who make it through the first year and come out stronger, so there’s hope yet.
Tread carefully and as long as you’re both putting in equal effort, time, prioritising the intimacy and keeping it consistent with trust and loyalty you could go the distance.
