Every couple goes through different relationship milestones as you both progress. And it’s so important to know the timeline of your relationship in dating.
Milestones are the events, big or small, that lead a relationship in a new direction.Relationship milestones are how you see your progress in a relationship. It basically acts as a highlight for every step in a relationship you surpass as a couple – both the good and bad.
As you surpass every relationship milestone, you also grow more comfortable and familiar with one another. This is the entire explanation behind why the way your partner treats you initially is different as you pass each stage.
While every relationship is different, and timelines may vary, some general timeframes seem to work for most. No matter how long you’ve been together, there’s a milestone or two you should be crossing.
Why are knowing the relationship milestones important?
They’re important as they’re how you can tell which stage of familiarity you’re in. It’s also how you know which things you can do with your partner in a specific milestone.
For instance, if you’re still in the honeymoon stage of your relationship, you shouldn’t expect your partner to move in with you or propose marriage. Relationship milestones are gradual and you can’t skip steps to get to the last one.
Otherwise, you’ll miss the best part of a relationship, which is the journey. Also, it’s very accomplishing to know that you’ve surpassed a significant milestone with your partner.
Relationship milestones are how you know that your relationship is actually working and you’re both trying your best to make it last *hopefully for a lifetime.*
When should these milestones occur?
It generally takes a year, but it could also be less than that, especially if he trusts you enough to show his vulnerability and honesty.
3. The first time you let the crazy out
You might not admit it right away, but everyone has a crazy side – we’re just all experts at hiding it. When it comes to our partners, it’s inevitable to show our true colors. Yes, that includes even the crazy and weird quirks we have.
You know that weird thing you do when no one else is around, like eating cereal out of a mug, adding ketchup to your steak, or obsessively scrubbing the grout in your bathroom? The first time you show that really weird and unexplainable side of yourself to your partner is a milestone.
Again, you don’t really show this side to someone you’re dating within the first three months *that’d be crazy!* Rather, you show them when you get to know them better and when you’re comfortable enough to know they won’t run away from your weirdness.
4. The minute you realize you’re no longer in the honeymoon phase
Not every couple surpasses the honeymoon stage and that’s where you know your relationship wasn’t likely love, but a matter of infatuation, lust, or attraction. No longer are both of you on your best behavior, living a lie, and being too cheesy for your own good.
Now, the real fun begins, and you really get to know each other. You stop seeing everything with rose-tinted eyes, but the reality of one another settles in. While there are no longer butterflies in your stomach and grand gestures, your relationship settles into feelings of warmth, comfort, and security.
This happens in a matter of 6 – 8 months *or even less for some couples*.
5. Sharing space, even if it’s at a parent’s house
When you’re first dating someone, it’s best to appreciate your personal space as you’ll lose this further in the relationship. It starts off with them borrowing a brush of yours and then it progresses into having your personal space, taking your clothes, and other belongings of yours.
This is when your partner’s toothbrush, hairbrush, spare clothing, and beauty products have taken over a drawer in your bedroom and the medicine cabinet in your bathroom. Sharing space, even if you technically haven’t committed to buying an apartment together yet, is still one of the huge relationship milestones.
Again, it doesn’t happen immediately, but it happens as you frequently sleep over at their place or are more comfortable sharing space together without feeling suffocated. This should happen after at least a year of knowing that you’re serious with each other.
Of course, for those on the more conservative side of the spectrum, you may find that you’ll only be sharing space after you’re married.
6. Being at ease with the parents