Communicate with your partner the wishes you have for the relationship. In order to make a healthy transition to the next level in your relationship, it’s important to always speak your thoughts and desires to your partner. Whether your just starting out by living together or looking for something more long term such as marriage, you’ll want to let your partner know what you expect in the relationship during the journey. On the same hand, you’ll need to listen to your partner’s wishes as well. Communication also involves being a good listener and accepting what your partner desires as well as speaking about your own needs.
Be sure both partners want the same thing before pushing the issue of going to the next level. If your partner is not ready, ask that he talk about his feelings and try to be patient with him. A relationship that is meant to be will grow in time without being rushed. A partner who is not ready to take the relationship to the next level will feel resentment and fear if rushed into a decision. It’s important that you both want the same things before diving into a situation that could cause harm to the relationship. It’s okay to take it slow. In fact, relationships that are not rushed seem to be the ones that stand the greatest chance of lasting over time.
Understand that your partner may not have the same wishes as you. Try not to be upset if your partner does not want to get as serious as you do right away. He may need more time, assurance, or reason to move ahead in the relationship. Getting angry with your partner will not make him move any faster. In fact, you’ll likely push him away and could scare him off if he does not want the same things as you and you are adamant that he move forward in the relationship. Take some time to help your partner figure out what he needs to take the relationship to the next level. You may find that your partner is just not ready yet and you’ll either have to be patient or decide if the relationship is really worth your time.
Allow your partner a say when taking the relationship to the next level. Do not leave your partner in the dark when making plans to go forward in the relationship. If the two of you have decided to live together, be sure that you are looking for places together as well as furnishings. Discuss the plans for the home together as well including any decor and rooms you want to have. Marriage is a big step, so when moving forward in the relationship takes you to this step, it is super important to have your partner’s input on plans, the date, and all other aspects of the wedding. No matter what it is that takes your relationship to the next step, keeping your partner in the know is the best way to successfully transition ahead in the relationship more smoothly.
Communicate your fears and worries to your partner and allow him the same respect. Telling your partner any doubts you have is important so that you aren’t left feeling resentment for him. As well, your partner should be allowed to speak his fears and concerns as well. When moving ahead in a relationship, it’s important to talk about things that worry you both. This is not to say that the relationship will not be able to go to the next level because you both have fears. Instead, communicating those fears helps to clear up misunderstandings and brings about new perspectives. This keeps the relationship healthy and actually promotes the growth of the relationship. Everyone has fears and doubts at one time or another. Speaking them aloud will help you both to feel better about the relationship and closer to each other.
