10 Telltale Signs You Are in an Exclusive Relationship

You can’t plan your future together if you don’t know where you stand in your relationship.

Have you been dating the same person off and on for a few months and you’re wondering if you’re in an exclusive relationship? 

We all know dating has its ups and downs. Making the relationship work is not simply based on whether you’re into the person. And yes, if you aren’t careful or ask the right questions, it can leave you with a broken heart.

You should never start a serious relationship without asking those tough questions first because doing so will save you emotional heartaches later.

It’s your responsibility to be direct in knowing if you are in an exclusive relationship or not. Are you both interested in the same things? Have you talked about a future together or intimacy?

Have you discussed being in an exclusive relationship together? And what does it mean to be in an exclusive relationship?

If you want to be in an exclusive relationship after dating someone for only a few months, there’s nothing wrong with that, but you need to know if the feelings are mutual. Once you have the answers to your questions, you can trust your feelings.

What is an exclusive relationship?  

What does exclusive in a relationship mean?

All people who “date” want to progress to an exclusive relationship. This means that you are a couple and can tell everyone that you have a partner or are in a relationship.

You’ve met each other’s friends and have spent time with your family. You also spend holidays together, and you’re loyal to each other.

Being in an exclusive relationship isn’t just about the “title” but also about how you transition and grow as a couple. 

Difference between exclusive dating and a relationship 

You’ve heard about these terms, but what is the difference between exclusively dating and a relationship? 

When you ask about exclusive dating meaning, it means you only see each other. You’re not dating anyone else and are in the phase of getting to know each other. 

What’s an exclusive relationship? It’s when you had the “talk” about making it formal. You both agree that you’re already in a serious relationship and committed to each other. You’re a couple! 

Most people want to be in an exclusive relationship, but sometimes, transitioning from dating to being in a relationship could be smoother than you expected. 

This is where you look for signs that you are already in an exclusive relationship without realizing it.

Related Reading: Dating vs. Relationships: 15 Differences You Must Know About

10 signs your relationship is exclusive

Now that you know what an exclusive relationship meaning is, you might wonder if you’re already there or are you still on the exclusive dating part.

Good thing there are signs you can watch out for; see if you are ready to have the “talk” that will change your status.

1. You spend so much time together

You know you are exclusive in a relationship when you spend time together. We all know that time is very important in any relationship.

So, if you’re always together, either going out on a date or just watching movies in your home and spending weekends bonding, then it’s safe to say that if you haven’t talked about it, you’re already getting there.

Related Reading: 15 Reasons Why Quality Time Is So Important in a Relationship

2. You no longer dwell on petty fights

When you’re dating, you always want to put your best foot forward, and sometimes, after dating for a couple of months, you have petty fights.

According to Grady Shumway, LMHC:

Letting go of small arguments and focusing on resolution shows emotional maturity, it is a sign that the relationship has moved beyond surface-level connection into something more lasting and real.

This is where you will realize whether the person you’re dating is worth keeping. You know you’re in an exclusive relationship if you fight but always make up later.

Instead of making a big deal out of petty issues, you understand, talk and compromise.

3. You don’t want to flirt or date other people

When you are in mutually exclusive relationships, you no longer want to date other people or even flirt with them. You are happy with the person you’re with.

That’s one perk of being in an exclusive relationship and a prominent sign to know if you’re ready to talk about it.

4. You update each other

When you’re in an exclusive relationship, you always update each other. It’s part of your routine to message your partner the moment you wake up and before you close your eyes to sleep.

When you have good or bad news, you want to talk to your special someone and tell them about your day. That’s a sign that you’re ready for commitment.

5. You prioritize each other

One advice to remember when you are undergoing relationship counseling is to always give time to your partner. Prioritize your partner not just because you love them but because you don’t want your relationship to fade.

Spending time together is important if you want to have a long-lasting relationship that could end up in marriage.

6. You’ve uninstalled dating apps

When you’re single and ready to mingle, you probably have over two dating apps on your phone. After all, you want to keep your options open.

But when you realize that you’re moving forward with someone and feel that you’re found the one, there’s no more use for these apps. If you deleted these apps, then you’re on your way to having the “talk.”

Esther Perel, a relationship therapist and New York Times bestselling author of The State of Affairs and Mating in Captivity, talks about dating rituals. 

Are you ready to date? 

7. You know each other’s friends and family

You’ve spent time with your special someone’s family and friends and they all love you. They would ask about you often.

This is one way of telling that you haven’t talked about it but you’re already going exclusive.

8. You’re good for each other

An exclusive relationship shouldn’t be toxic. You should notice how your relationship changes you – in a good way.

You find yourself wanting to be better for yourself, your partner, and your relationship. You motivate and help each other achieve your goals in life.

Growth individually and as a couple is a good sign that you’re better together and already moving forward from only dating to being in a relationship.

Related Reading: 20 Signs You Are Meant to Be Together

9. You are intimate in many ways

We often think of intimacy as physical, but there is also emotional intimacy, intellectual intimacy, spirituality, and many more. They are all crucial in every relationship.

So, if you are intimate with your partner in all these aspects, then you’re good. It’s a sign that you have leveled up.

10. You see your future with this person

Do you want to be sure that you want to move on to an exclusive relationship? It’s when you can see your future with this person.

Grady Shumway highlights that:

When your heart and mind both picture a future together, it is a sign you are ready for deeper commitment, sharing that vision can be the first step toward building it side by side.

You’re in love and can see yourself spending your life with this person; then, it’s time to talk to each other and make it official.

Related Reading: 20 Signs You Are Meant to Be Together

FAQ

Should I push the exclusive button?

Of course, you should. You know that you are the kind of person who loves easily and finds it hard to walk away once your heart is all in.

If you want your relationship to grow, you must understand it and know what it needs and desires; you can only do that if you are sure you should push the issue of being in an exclusive relationship.

If the person you are in a relationship with does not want to be in an exclusive relationship with you, you have some things to think about.

Be willing to listen without judgment. It may be why they are not ready to be in an exclusive relationship.

Can intimacy make your partner want to become exclusive?

No, it does not. Don’t complicate being in an exclusive relationship with intimacy since it can only give you false hope down the road. If you think you can get what you want through intimacy, you are only playing yourself.

Don’t be afraid to speak what’s on your heart. If the other person is for you, you both will be on the same page when it comes to becoming exclusive.

What can I do to build my relationship?

Below is a list of things you can do to build on your relationship or if you are unable to understand the signs he wants to date you exclusively:

1. Ask your partner if they are ready to date exclusively.
2. Listen to what your partner is saying to you and ask more questions.
3. Know what you want and don’t settle for anything less.
4. Take your time getting to know the other person.
5. Ask if your partner thinks you are exclusively dating but not in a relationship.

Building the right relationship with someone will be challenging; it’s hard work. You will likely end up on the right side of love and happiness by asking the right questions early.

Conclusion

Dating can be fun but realizing that you’ve found ‘the one’ is way better. It’s when you don’t want to meet other potential partners because you’ve found your perfect match.

Indeed, deciding to have the ‘talk’ to make your exclusive relationship official is a wonderful event.

Once you move into a relationship, don’t forget to be better, not just for your partner but also for yourself.

Remember that knowing what’s important and what is not is crucial to have a long-lasting and healthy relationship. If being in an exclusive relationship is important to you, it should also be for the person you are dating.

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Johanna Sparrow Antoinette M. Watkins writes, Relationship Expert

The author of this article is a  relationship expert, Johanna Sparrow.  Antoinette M. Watkins writes under the pen name Johanna Sparrow. As a relationship expert in San Antonio, Texas, Johanna created Heart... Read more Bruised Conscious Connection Renewal codes (HBCCR)©, a system to improve self.  She rolled out the system, also known as Breakthrough: Understanding Life Lessons, in 2015 to help her clients find common ground within daily connections.  She is also the author of 3 how to relationship series, including the newly released Four Relationship Attachment styles Paired in Love, How to love and understand your partners attachment style, and the recently released Dismissive Avoidant in Love, How understanding the four main styles of attachment can impact your relationship and Sabotage, recognize commitment phobia and experience a healthy relationship.  Johanna helps her readers and clients balance their lives through tapping into their strengths and spiritual connections. Read less

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