How to Tell The Difference Between Dating and Relationships
Is There a Difference?
Dating and relationships share the common characteristic of being fun activities.
People engage in these activities because of the happiness associated with being close to someone they like. Positive emotions usually run high in dating and relationships.
They also offer a chance for the parties involved to share their tribulations and joys. Those who are dating or in a relationship can relax comfortably knowing that they have a constant shoulder to support them.
Nevertheless, the similarities between and relationship stops there.
Many people have a tendency to use the two terms interchangeably. As a matter of fact, many people do not know whether they are dating or are in a relationship. Unknown to them, dating and relationship differ from one another in different aspects.
This is down to the fact that they cannot decode the tell-tale signals that define the status of their relationships.
Characteristics Of Dating
Some of the activities that feature when dating include:
Casual Agreements
Casual agreements feature prominently in situations where people are dating.
For example, both parties may have a casual agreement to undertake certain activities on certain days. This means that commitment is usually pushed to the periphery.
There is never a big deal in the event that one of the partners would wish to cancel the arrangement. In this case, any of the parties would not make a big deal upon the cancellation of these plans.
Small Talk Conversations
Those who are dating are more likely to engage in small talk than those in serious relationships, well except for an adult dating site that is.
Both partners try to avoid the temptation of burdening each other with problems. The topics of the conversation are often general and center on issues that interest both parties.
The small talk conversations could range from the latest movies to the last episode of a TV series.
Predominant Physical Feelings
Dating may be based purely on physical feelings.
In most cases, people date one another because they feel physically attracted to each other. This physical attraction usually provides the gateway to exploring the inner characters of both partners.
This exploration is what provides the incentive to move from dating to establishing a relationship.
Tell-Tale Signs Of A Relationship
Some of the tell-tale signs of a relationship include:
Couples Miss Each Other
Being in a relationship normally involves immense emotional investments.
This is evident when one partner misses the other when they are miles apart. Both partners are constantly thinking about each other when they stay for a long time without being together.
Talking About Constructive Issues
People who are in a relationship would have to make a detour from small talk.
Instead, they engage regularly in constructive conversations. This is integral in establishing a connection between both parties.
As such, the conversations revolve around deeper issues that impact on the growth of the relationship.
Lack Of Active Dates
After establishing serious relationships, people tend to avoid serious dating.
Since they have found a perceived lifelong partner, such people do not see the need to engage in dating.
This is also down to the fact that relationships require deep commitment for their success and longevity.
Speak Your Mind, With Your Opinion
Nice to see you made it this far so here’s what you can do next:
- Do you think it’s important to understand where your relationship is at?
- Do you prefer the dating cycle or yearn to be in a more meaningful relationship?
- Click one of the Share buttons – your friends can then read this article too.
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