7 Signs You Are Ready for a Relationship
Imagine you’re on a date with someone you’re very much into. Things have been going smoothly until questions and doubts start flooding your mind.
‘’Wait, am I even ready for this?’’
The anxiety has stolen the magic before things could even move to the next stage. You try to think of signs you are ready for a relationship, but maybe it’s already too late.
Readiness can be subjective. There are a lot of factors involved like financial status, timing, and so on.
But of course, this is not limited to external measures. There are also things like emotional baggage and past experiences that can add to your doubts and apprehensions in knowing if you are ready for a relationship.
For as long as you are able to get rid of any unfinished business and process the emotions that come along with it, you’re good to go for a happy and successful relationship.
So What Are the Signs You Are Ready for a Relationship?
When can you say you’re a hundred percent ready for a relationship?
There’s no absolute answer to that.
However, you can look out for the following signs:
1. The thought of sticking to one person doesn’t freak you out.
Tired of playing the same game over and over again? If you’re interested in taking things to the next level, then you’ve got to be committed to sticking to one partner.
Sure, some people engage in open relationships wherein both parties are allowed to have sexual relationships with others. This could work for some. But would that work for you?
If the answer is no, then the least you would want in a relationship is cheating and infidelity.
The same goes for your future partner.
Can you easily say no to temptations? Do you know how to prioritize your relationship? Are you committed to sticking to one partner and building a life with them?
If these are all no-brainers for you, then take it as a good sign that you’re ready for a relationship.
2. “For a lifetime” is your end goal.
Some people enter a relationship thinking they can make an exit at any time. This is one sign that they are not ready for a relationship that is real and meaningful.
Of course, people have their reasons. Some might need it for distraction, short-term pleasure, or even for them to explore and discover more about who they are and what they want. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. But at the end of the day, a lifetime relationship is the end goal for those who want it.
If you’ve come to a point in your life where you can say this out loud, that’s another good sign that you’re ready for a real and serious relationship.
3. You’re done with the excess baggage.
Issues with past relationships will always resurface if not addressed. It has become one of the most common causes of fights and arguments in a relationship. Worse, it can even be the main cause of breakup.
It has a damaging effect, especially on your future partner, as you decide to continue the relationship unprepared. You don’t want your future partner to be collateral damage. Before things get out of control, ask yourself these questions:
“Did I give myself enough time to heal after the breakup?’’
‘’Did I get the closure I need?’’
‘’Am I at peace with myself and my ex after the breakup?’’
If yes, well then good news.
Your ex is an ex for a reason, which a lot of people would agree with. So you should be over them. Only then will you become ready and totally available for a new person in your life.
4. You’ve explored the world on your own.
Doing things like traveling alone can open doors to self-exploration and discovery – a great way to know who you truly are and what can make you happy as a person.
While that sounds interesting, did you know that being single for too long has certain effects on your health?
At some point, it’s necessary to go through such a stage, but when you’ve reached self-fulfillment and you feel like your own cup is overflowing with so much love and happiness, wouldn’t you want to share it with someone?
5. You have that sense of responsibility and security.
One of the signs you are ready for a relationship is when you no longer need to depend on someone to take care of you emotionally or financially. It’s probably not a good idea to involve another person in your life if you can’t handle your own problems. It can only cause conflicts and distress in the relationship later on.
So try to take a look at your financial and personal security. Things shouldn’t be based solely on external matters like money, right? But financial and even emotional stability can reflect who you are as a partner – someone who is supposed to give value to the relationship.
6. You feel like it’s the right time.
There’s no telling when the ‘’perfect’’ time is. There’s only the ‘’right’’ time. And it’s up to you to decide when.
Each person’s timing can vary depending on their current life situation. Some people have personal life goals, and they want to focus all their energy on them. Others are still trying to figure out whether their feelings will last or maybe they’re still in the stage of getting to know the person more.
Are you able to handle a relationship given the current situation in your life? Are you able to juggle priorities?
It’s important that you can manage such things without compromising the relationship.
7. You manage your expectations.
Societal standards provide the basis for norms and rules that can make life easy and well-established. There are certain things like age gaps and gender roles wherein society always has a say.
Unfortunately, some people tend to form certain biases that can distract them from seeing things as they are.
You too have your own set of biases, and that’s completely normal.
A friend who was seeking relationship advice once said, ‘’I really like her, but I think she’s too young for me. What should I do?’’
You wouldn’t want to be in the same conundrum. You must let go of societal standards and open yourself up to new possibilities before putting yourself out there.
Pursue a Relationship When You're Ready for It
These are just signs you are ready for a relationship. The same can be applied to know if you’re ready for love. At the end of the day, you still need to consider whether you actually want to pursue a relationship.
If so, and you’ve ticked all of the above signs, finding a compatible partner is your next step.
Keep in mind that a relationship is worth pursuing only if you’re ready for it. Because with a relationship comes commitment and responsibility. You and your partner will need to look out for each other and be ready to overcome all kinds of struggles together.
Otherwise, what’s the point?
All you have to do is find that person who deserves all the love you’re ready to give.
Now that you’ve reviewed everything, are you ready for a relationship?
