How many dates is enough?

You’ve just started dating someone new. You both take it slow in the beginning — meeting for coffee or lunch once a week. The more you see each other, the more you find you have in common. And there’s a definite attraction between the two of you. After several really nice dates, you both decide to go for it: Dating each other exclusively.

Now you see each other a couple of times each the week. You spend entire weekends with each other. You’ve met each other’s friends and are talking about taking a vacation together. Things are going well.

Days turn into weeks, weeks into months, and you realize that the relationship, while fun, really isn’t progressing. Things are very comfortable and pleasant, but you know that this relationship is not going to advance to the next level. And you’re ready for that next step.

You’ve had honest conversations with your new partner, and you realize that ultimately you are looking for two different types of relationships. Now you can do one of two things: 1) stay together, be comfortable but ultimately not get what you want or 2) end it and try to find someone to share in the kind of committed relationship you need.

Staying put
Staying in this relationship may be the easier choice, but it’s not better for you in the long term. You eventually will begin to resent your partner for not giving you what you really want. You may think that your partner may change his or her mind eventually and make more of a commitment. And while that may happen, it may take longer than you are willing to give. Time has a funny (or not so funny) way of sneaking up on us. Is it really worth compromising your dreams to stick around?

Moving on
If your partner is not able to give you what you need, you may want to consider putting an end to the relationship. While scary and difficult, it’s ultimately the best solution. You owe it to yourself to try to find a partner that shares your long-term goals. You should never settle when it comes to love.

While your current romantic guy or gal isn’t ready to commit, there are plenty of people out there who are. Learn from your past. Take chances. Put yourself in situations where you can meet new people who share your interests and long-term goals. Search for local singles today and find your perfect match.