When dating, how long before you become exclusive?

Dating can be such a vulnerable and fun interaction to experience.  It can also be somewhat confusing at times.  One particular step with dating that people often find confusing is when to become exclusive with someone or not.  There, unfortunately, is no specific, scientific answer to when a couple should become exclusive.  That said, it is important to see that for what it is and know that you are in charge of when it feels right to you.  Sometimes people are pressured and/or influenced by society on when to become exclusive, and it is important to stick more to what feels right to you. 

When considering if you should become exclusive or not in your relationship, it is important to consider your feelings and desires for the relationship.  Rather than focusing on time pressures, try to focus on your own feelings for the person. If you are starting to feel like you are falling in love with them, that is a good sign to talk about exclusivity.  If you desire to spend the bulk of your time with that person, that is also a good sign that you should talk about exclusivity. 

It is also important to consider your expectations and the expectations of the person you are dating.  Every person has their own set of expectations when becoming exclusive, so it is important to be upfront and transparent about those when you discuss exclusivity.  For example, some people might expect that you meet one another’s families when becoming exclusive. In contrast, others might feel that just not seeing other people is the only change in expectations. On that note, try to honestly think about if you want to continue seeing other people or craving only seeing the person you are dating.  If you desire only to see the person you are dating and feel like you are bothered if they date other people, that is probably a sign that discussing exclusivity would be an important step to take. Try to remember when you talk about exclusivity; it is a meeting of two minds rather than only promoting what you want.