7 Tips How Long Should You Casually Date Someone

When it comes to dating, I get asked this question a lot. Natasha, how long should you casually date someone? Are three weeks too little? Too long? This is a great question.

In all honesty, there’s no scientific formula telling you the precise time you should become exclusive with your partner. Every couple is different.

For some couples, they immediately feel ready to label the relationship while other couples take weeks, even months, before making it serious. Plus, there are a couple of factors which affect people’s decision: timing and distance. If you’re not seeing them often, then it’ll take longer to become exclusive.

# Be clear with what you want

There are some people who date without any real idea of what they want, and that’s okay. But, if you want to make your dating experience easier, then you should figure out what you’re looking for.

Do you want to be in a relationship? Or is casual dating working out well for you? Everyone has their own needs, so whatever you choose is fine. Just be clear with the other person.

# Take time before making a move

Some couples fall instantly in love and decide from then on to be exclusive. But not everyone is like that. I suggest you take your time before you rush into a relationship. Actually, get to know the person. I know you don’t want to be alone, but if you’re choosing partners out of loneliness, then you’re going to be lonely.

# Be honest to yourself about the red flags

Sometimes we choose not to see all the sides of a person we’re interested in. I’ve made that mistake plenty of times, but you need to make evaluations about your potential partner. Is this someone who’s right for you or is this someone who’s for right now? There’s a big difference between the two.

# Can you picture the future?

When you think about you being together, can you actually see it? What would an exclusive relationship look like with them? Is it something you can see yourself being in? It may sound lame, but if you can’t picture yourself with them in the future, then why bother becoming exclusive.

# Put yourself first

This may sound selfish, but it’s not. When you’re thinking about the relationship, ask yourself if your needs are being met. Now, not all your needs will be met, that’s just life. But are the deal breakers manageable? For example, if you don’t want to have kids, and they do, that’s going to be a big problem. So, you need to decide what’s good for you.

# Bring it up lightly

If you’re confused over how long should you casually date someone, talk about it with them to understand their perspective. This doesn’t have to be some serious conversation. If you’re feeling the time is right, why not bring it up in a light way? If they’re not open to talking about it, you don’t need to pressure them. Back off and give them some time to think it through. If they don’t bring it up, then it’s safe to say they’re not down for it.

# Talk to them

But have a real talk with them. If this is something important to you, you need to treat it seriously. If you’re casually dating them, what are their thoughts about the relationship? What are they thinking about you? There are two people in the relationship, and you need to know where they stand.