Being in a relationship is both an exciting and amazing feeling. To be loved and understood while being loyal to one particular person is a feeling like no other, and if you are in a relationship (which is probably why you are reading this) you know that it's something that requires a lot of effort and care.
Before you start overthinking the future and freaking out over the thought of potentially scaring the one you love away forever, know that you're in control of all that can happen. Take all the time you need and think it over with a clear head; ask yourself whether you really love this person or if it's just infatuation that has taken its toll on you.
So, if you are reading this because you want to take your relationship to the next level, but are scared and not certain about it, you've come to the right place.
Do you really want to be with them? Ask yourself whether you got together with this person because you were lonely and were looking for something and they just happened to be there? Or do you really love them, and are with them because of who they are inside and out? This can be tricky to think about because you will only wish it to be the latter. But to really think about it, you need to look back to the very beginning and understand why you got into this relationship in the first place. Once you're clear about your decision you can begin to think about taking the step.
What does your future look like? Can you see yourself committing to this person long-term? Or is it the exact opposite and the relationship isn't you expected it to be? Let's ask you another question: Are you still figuring out what you want to do with the rest of your life? If there are any question marks in your future, then maybe it's not the right time to go ahead and take another crucial step in your relationship. On the other hand, if you feel you have it all sorted, and you can't think of anyone else you'd want to share your happiness with, then you are definitely headed in the right direction with your partner by your side.
While this decision can be undone, it's not as easy as they make it seem in the movies, if you're moving in together, then you more than likely, signed a lease agreement with this person and are locked in for a certain amount of time and that can be one very awkward situation. To clarify what this person means to you, ask yourself the following questions:
What part do they play in your life? You may very well love spending time with your partner, but do you truly miss them when they're gone? What do you do when you are alone? Do you look forward to meeting them again the next time? By taking this next step, you are letting them know that they are an integral part of your life. You need to be certain that the decision you are making is in line with what you think they mean to you.
What's beneath the surface? Of course you like this person, why else would you both be together? Look past the fact that you love talking to them. Are those late-night conversations worth continuing? Or are they just conversations that fill the silence between the two of you? Relationships are typically either love or lust. You need to identify beyond the fact that you converse, and you like them, you should know whether you are interested in knowing more about them or are happy with repeating the same things over and over again.
Are you done with the current level you are at? This is a rhetorical question. How are you both on a normal day together? Are you satisfied with each other? Do you fight a lot? Do you not agree on things and that causes certain problems? Are you ready to face the new changes and responsibilities (if any) that may come up while you make a step forward in the relationship?
Relationships are tricky to deal with, but are not difficult if you focus on the realities instead of worrying about what the future might hold. You may be scared of course, because you are afraid of rejection or being left alone if you take the unprecedented next step, but do know that rushing into something without respecting your partners thoughts, can act inevitably ruin your relationship. Like a fine wine, relationships get better with age, but that requires certain effort from both sides. Don't get worried or anxious because of uncertainties. If you have answered all the questions above truthfully, we are sure that know by now, the answer to the original question - Should we take the next step in our relationship? Good luck.