As you age, you might find yourself naturally gravitating more towards serious relationships and away from casual dating. There’s nothing wrong with this — it’s perfectly normal! Whether you’ve been single for a while or just got out of a relationship, you’ll feel like you’re ready to take things to the next level.
And while there is no specific age or timetable you should be aiming for, there are definitely some signs that indicate you’re ready to start looking for something more serious. But how can you tell if you’re prepared for a serious relationship? Here are some signs to look out for:
You’re no longer interested in casual dating or hookup
If you’re no longer interested in casual dating or hookups, it may signify that you’re ready for a serious relationship. When you’re prepared for a serious relationship, you’re usually not interested in anything that’s just for fun or has no future. You want something that has the potential to be long-term and meaningful.
And you’re usually only interested in dating people who are also looking for the same thing. So if you’ve stopped going on dates with people who aren’t looking for anything serious, it’s a good sign that you’re ready for something more committed.
You’re done playing games
Games are fun, but they have no place in a serious relationship. If you’re ready for something real, you’ll be done with playing games both in and out of the relationship. This doesn’t mean you can’t be playful with your partner – but it does mean that you’re ready to stop using games to manipulate or control them.
Instead, you’ll be open and honest with your feelings, communicating directly about what you want and need. You’ll also be willing to compromise and work together towards a shared goal. If you’re done playing games, it’s a sign that you’re ready to leave games behind and start building something real.
You hire dating services to look for a compatible partner.
At this point, you no longer want to waste your time on dates that go nowhere. So you might start using matchmaking services that focus on matching you with people looking for serious relationships. This way, you can be assured that everyone you’re meeting is on the same page as you, and there’s a better chance of things working out. You understand that these professionals work hard to find compatible partners, which indicates that you’re becoming more mature and ready to settle down.
You know what you want in a partner
Knowing what you want in a partner is one sign that you may be ready for a next-level relationship. This doesn’t mean that you have a laundry list of must-have qualities, but rather that you have a good sense of the type of person who would be compatible with you. You may be looking for someone who shares your values or has a similar outlook on life.
Maybe you’re seeking someone kind and supportive or someone adventurous and fun-loving. Whatever your specific criteria, if you’re clear about what you’re looking for in a partner, it’s a good indication that you’re ready to start something serious.
You want to settle down and start a family
Once you start feeling ready to settle down, it usually indicates that it’s time for a more mature relationship. This doesn’t mean that you have to get married or have kids immediately, but it does mean that you’re at the point in your life where you’re looking for stability and long-term commitment. You’re starting to picture your future, and you want someone by your side who will be a part of that. You see yourself sharing a home with someone and maybe even starting a family together.
You want to share your life with someone
Being single is fun, but at a certain point, you may start to feel like you’re ready to share your life with someone. You want someone to come home to at the end of the day or someone to travel with and experience new things. It excites you to think about everything you’ll do together and the life you’ll build together. You no longer crave the “single life” and are ready to find a partner to share your life with.
The bottom line
While most people think that the single life is the best, there comes a time when you’re ready for something more. If you’re starting to feel like you’re ready for a serious relationship, trust your gut and go for it. It may just be the best decision you ever make.
