{"id":52352,"date":"2020-06-26T10:49:10","date_gmt":"2020-06-26T10:49:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/?p=52352"},"modified":"2026-03-23T12:00:53","modified_gmt":"2026-03-23T12:00:53","slug":"how-to-be-in-a-relationship","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/how-to-be-in-a-relationship\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Be in a Relationship"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\"Romantic<\/p>\n

Whether you are a veteran dater or just starting in the dating world, you are probably asking yourself how to be in a relationship and what you are looking for in a relationship partner.<\/span><\/p>\n

This is an important question!<\/span><\/p>\n

It is helpful to puzzle out the qualities you are looking for in a potential partner so that you can better identify them when you are meeting new people.<\/b><\/p>\n

That said, it’s always good to leave a little room for the unexpected! Let’s explore some tips on how to be in a relationship<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>How to figure out what you want in a relationship<\/span><\/h2>\n

To begin with, take a moment to self-reflect. Identify what your core values are. These are non-negotiable things. It may be helpful to grab a pen and paper and list them.<\/span><\/p>\n

How do you feel about money—are you a saver or a spender? What about religion—is your faith important to you?<\/span><\/p>\n

Would you consider dating someone of a different faith, or someone who was an atheist? What are your political leanings, and is it important for you to have a partner who supports the same political party as you? How about education? Would you be at ease dating someone less educated as you, or more educated?<\/span><\/p>\n

Defining all these important points can help you get what you know will make you happy as you figure out what you are.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>Should I be in a relationship?<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"Joyful<\/p>\n

This question is just as important as deciding how to be in a relationship.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ask yourself<\/span> if you are truly ready to be in a relationship<\/span><\/a>. Are you someone who “just needs” to be part of a couple? Maybe you could benefit from being on your own for a bit, just to prove that you are capable of being happy solo.<\/span><\/p>\n

Are you looking for a partner to fill a void? Again, taking time to work on yourself, perhaps with a qualified therapist, can be productive.<\/span><\/p>\n

So take a hard look at your answers to the question “should I be in a relationship” and make sure your answers are coming from a place that is healthy, and not needy. For example:<\/span><\/p>\n

“I am ready to be in a relationship because, while my life is filled with good friends and interesting things, I want to give love to another person.” Now that’s a good base from which to operate!<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>How to find a relationship<\/span><\/h2>\n

The great thing about being on the dating market now is that pool of potential partners has never been bigger, thanks to the internet.<\/span><\/p>\n

But before you<\/span> get to online dating<\/span><\/a>, do not neglect the tried-and-true, more traditional ways of finding the love of your life.<\/span><\/p>\n

Let your community know that you are ready to date and ask them to introduce you to any available people they might think would make a good match.<\/b><\/p>\n

Your community could include your friends, your workplace, your religious community, people you know from your gym or sports classes…the list is endless!<\/span><\/p>\n

And don’t think that asking them to introduce you to people seems like a desperate move. If you approach this with self-confidence and an open, sunny personality, the match-makers in your circle will be happy to facilitate introductions.<\/span><\/p>\n

Another way to find the love of your life is through <\/span>online dating<\/span><\/a> sites.<\/span><\/p>\n

There are loads out there now; the market is quite segmented. Do your research and take your time to look at the various target markets that the different sites serve.<\/span><\/p>\n

Make sure the <\/span>dating site<\/span> that you use reflects what you are looking for in a relationship. If you aren’t into one night stands, for example, don’t put your profile up on a site known for hookups only.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you wish to match with someone of your religion, seek a site that corresponds to that desire. In general, paying sites attract more quality users than free ones.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>How to start a relationship<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"Happy<\/p>\n

Once you’ve dated a bit and found <\/span>compatibility<\/span><\/a> with a person, you feel like you’d like to start a relationship.<\/span><\/p>\n

It will be important to know if the other person is on the same page, so <\/span>communication will be crucial<\/span><\/a>, not only on this point but moving forward. The best tip couples share when asked how to start a relationship is this: make sure you and your new person communicate well.<\/span><\/p>\n

Good communication is the basis for all healthy relationships, so you want to key into this from the start when considering how to be in a relationship.<\/b><\/p>\n

Start slow, take your time, don’t invest too much at the beginning, and <\/span>let the relationship grow <\/span><\/a>organically. It is hard to be patient when in the early stage, but trust us: slow it down, so this spark doesn’t burn itself out too quickly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Also watch: How to improve communication in a relationship.<\/b>