Let's Talk Commitment

Amber Brooks

By: Amber Brooks

Editor: Lillian Castro

Posted:

They say the first step is the hardest. But that’s not always true in the world of dating. Asking someone on a first date can often feel less daunting than asking for exclusivity.

Our articles focus on the transition from casual dating to exclusive relationships, so daters can transition with confidence. Read about what it takes to form long-term partnerships, strengthen bonds, and date for marriage.

Experts explore and discuss signs of readiness in you and your partner and how to handle the fears that can come with getting serious. Need to know how to discuss labels or plan for the future? We cover that too.

Our advice will help you find all you need to build a foundation that truly lasts, including conflict resolution, boundaries, and intimacy. Learn more from our experts about establishing rock-solid relationships, building trust, and doing the emotional work needed for a real commitment.

322 Results

What Our Experts Say:

1.
14 Marriage vs. Cohabitation Statistics[updated_month_year before=" (" after=")"]
Sheena Holt

Sheena Holt

When it comes to cohabitating before marriage, everyone has a different opinion. Some – particularly younger people – feel like marrying a person you haven’t seen scrub their toilet is bananas. Others take moral issue with living together prior to tying the knot. As a cohabitant living with my (now) fiancé, I certainly have a personal stake in the matter. But I'm more interested in facts than opinions.  These...

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2.
25 First Marriage Age Statistics[updated_month_year before=" (" after=")"]
Sheena Holt

Sheena Holt

You don’t need to be a sociologist to know that marriages are shifting in more ways than one. Gone are the days of getting married right out of high school or college and immediately buying a house. And maybe, gone are the days of taking it as a given that you’ll get married at all. So at what age — if at all — are couples hitting these marriage milestones? Let’s get into it! 1. The Average Age for a...

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3.
This Simple Dating Strategy Worked For Me (& Now I’m Engaged)
Sheena Holt

Sheena Holt

This past summer, my partner of four years proposed to me. We were vacationing in Cefalù, Sicily. After a day of swimming at the beach, he took me up to a beautiful lookout point before popping the question.  Obviously, I said yes. Our wedding is set for December of 2026, and I couldn’t be more excited.  I’d known for a long time – honestly, quite early in our relationship – that I wanted to marry...

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4.
A Sign of the Times: 70% of Women Say They’re Willing to Contribute to the Cost of Their Engagement Ring
Lynn Cadet

Lynn Cadet

While millions of Americans rush to put the final touches on their holiday preparations, others are prepping for something else entirely: engagement season. And new survey data shows how expectations around engagement are changing fast. According to DatingAdvice’s Holiday Engagement Survey, more than 70% of women surveyed said they’re willing to help pay for their engagement ring, marking a major shift in...

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5.
6 Tips for Introducing Your S.O. to the Family
Brian Rzepczynski

Brian Rzepczynski

Introducing your partner to your family for the first time is a big step in the evolution of your relationship.  For some, it can be an exciting time of integrating a loved one into the family mix, while for others, it can be fraught with stress and anxiety. Will my family like him? Will my boyfriend fit in okay? Will everybody get along? Will my partner be able to tolerate any drama that may come...

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6.
What Is a Future Faker? And Are You Dating One?
Jamie Ballard

Jamie Ballard

Reddit's algorithms recently pointed me toward a subreddit called Waiting to Wed, probably because I frequent subreddits where people share their relationship troubles and ask for advice. (What can I say, I mostly became a dating writer because I love other people's drama.)  The Waiting to Wed subreddit has pages and pages of posts where people — mostly women — are wondering why their partner hasn't proposed. And...

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7.
5 Questions to Ask Before You Commit to Someone
Amie Leadingham

Amie Leadingham

I know how exciting it can be when you finally meet someone who is physically attractive and mentally stimulating. It can feel like you've won the jackpot, but before you rush into a committed relationship with someone you barely know, my advice is to slow down. Make a conscious commitment. As a dating coach, I’ve seen many singles jump at the chance to fill their relationship void, only to find out the person...

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8.
Why Do Lesbians Move In So Quickly? 7 Tips to Put on the Brakes
Ashayla Blakely

Ashayla Blakely

I'm sure you've heard that old joke: “What does a lesbian bring on a second date? A U-Haul.”  It’s a running gag that’s been floating around queer spaces for decades. Yes, it’s a funny stereotype, but it actually touches on something very real. Many lesbian couples do move in together quickly. But why? "Met in the summer, moved across the country together that winter. That was like 15 years ago and we're...

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9.
What Is Monogamy & Is It Realistic In Modern Dating?
Mackenzie Buck

Mackenzie Buck

If you’re a ‘90s kid like me, monogamy has been imprinted in your mind just as much as a love for Jim Carrey and the lyrics to Britney Spears’ hit classic “Baby One More Time.” The concept — which has traditionally been defined as “the state or custom of being married to only one person at a time” — was the only relationship model depicted in the songs, movies, and other media of old. Monogamous precepts were the...

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10.
A Relationship Coach’s Guide to the End of the Honeymoon Phase
Emma Patterson

Emma Patterson

The Short Version: Relationships face their first real test at the end of the honeymoon phase. Will your love grow, or will it fade? Men’s relationship coach Emyli Lovz gave us tips on how to overcome common post-honeymoon relationship hurdles, from a flagging spark to ineffective communication.  I didn’t know I was in the honeymoon phase until it ended. My first real boyfriend and I were trying to decide on...

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11.
The Go-To Educational Resource Created By The Ethical Non-Monogamy Community
Emma Patterson

Emma Patterson

The Short Version: If you’re new to the ethical non-monogamy community or simply want to learn more about it, Nonmono is a go-to educational resource. László Ágoston, Nonmono’s founder and ENM community member, dispelled misconceptions, opened up about his personal experiences, and shared important lessons.  Too often, non-monogamy lurks in society’s shadows. But in bars, clubs, hotels, and homes in your own city,...

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12.
What Is a Situationship: Defining the New Norm in Hookup Culture
Chloë Hylkema

Chloë Hylkema

A situationship is like a relationship, but not quite. Situationships are sexual and romantic relationships that are undefined — you're not officially dating, but you’re engaging in many of the same activities that couples do. Gen Z has created and popularized the term in an attempt to describe the unique sort of relationships they find themselves in. Situationships are similar to a friends-with-benefits...

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13.
What Does It Mean to Commit in the Modern Age? A Marriage Expert Has the Answers
Jules Chen

Jules Chen

The Short Version: Fear of commitment is a common thread in the world, but it doesn't have to be so scary. Dr. Scott Sibley of Decide to Commit urges people to invest in love and take action to ensure their relationships last. Things couldn’t have been more perfect: I was seeing someone and starting to think that we might soon become an item. We shared similar values and interests, and over the course of several...

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14.
The Emotional Ripple Effect of Weddings
Dr. Wendy Walsh

Dr. Wendy Walsh

Most people know the feeling of being a wedding guest and becoming a little misty-eyed. The well of warm emotions for a bride and groom can cause even the most stoic person to feel lovey-dovey.  However, that emotional rush can also trigger a range of good and bad feelings that may prompt you to reflect on your own relationship.  I want to start with the good news: Attending weddings has been known to...

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15.
9 Length of Dating Before Marriage Statistics[updated_month_year before=" (" after=")"]
Jules Chen

Jules Chen

Ever feel like everyone in your life has a different opinion on how long to date before getting married? Your mom says you can’t hurry love. Your friends insist that if your partner likes it, he needs to put a ring on it ASAP. Your partner says don’t go changing to try to please them.  You start to wonder why everyone is quoting songs at you. It’s a whole mess. Everyone can keep their opinions — I’ve done...

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16.
A Popular Polyamory Advocate Is Debunking Common Misconceptions
Emma Patterson

Emma Patterson

The Short Version: Leanne Yau’s blog, PolyPhilia, started out as a fun side project, but has since transformed into a modern movement aimed at debunking commonly-held misconceptions about polyamory. PolyPhilia answers any questions you may have about polyamorous relationships, from the role sex plays to the frequency of infidelity.  Polyamory, a word once only whispered, is now in the mainstream — or closer to it,...

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17.
10 Best Christian Dating Books for 2024
Emma Patterson

Emma Patterson

Christians in need of advice are likely to turn to the most popular advice column in history — the Bible, of course. But there are some specific problems that the Bible just can’t answer in a straightforward way. For example: “What should I do if all my friends have gotten married, but I haven't?” Or, “How can I tell my partner that I can’t afford to buy tickets to the Eras Tour?” Or even, “How can I recover from a...

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18.
The Jewish Matchmaker Who Transforms Your Love Life Into A Romantic Comedy
Emma Patterson

Emma Patterson

The Short Version: Matchmaker Jessica Fass gives her clients a movie star makeover in order to raise their confidence, renew their faith in love, and match them up with the person of their dreams. The founder of Jewish matchmaking service Fass Pass to Love, Jessica specializes in transforming secular and conservative Jewish singles alike into the heroes of their own personal rom-coms. True love never feels more...

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19.
The Cupcake Stage of Dating (11 Signs & Tips)
Lauren Sanders

Lauren Sanders

Infatuation is at its highest peak during the cupcake stage of dating. This stage can be defined as the phase of dating when two individuals are madly in love or completely obsessed with each other. Flaws are typically ignored during this stage due to a hyperfocus on the good vibes individuals experience during the early days of dating.If you’re wondering how to know when you’re in the cupcake stage of dating,...

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20.
Clarity, Commitment, & Honesty: Everything You Need to Know About Dating for Marriage
Chloë Hylkema

Chloë Hylkema

The Short Version: Your dating journey will look different depending on what you’re seeking. Therapist and author Marcia Naomi Berger addresses marriage-minded dating, from the initial stages of dating to marriage preparation and the highs and lows of long-term partnerships. Dating changes depending on the expectations you bring into it. Looking for a casual fling? Dating is going to look and feel a lot different...

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21.
Understanding Relationship Status: What It Means & Why It Matters
Amber Brooks

Amber Brooks

What is a relationship status? It's simply where you're at in terms of romance. When asked if you’re single or seeing someone, your response defines the relationship status. There are multiple answers you can give, and it may not be crystal clear what to say (sometimes it really is complicated). A relationship status sets the tone for you and your partner. Imagine you’re at a social function and someone refers to...

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22.
What Is Exclusive Dating? Definition, Benefits & Challenges
Lexi Inks

Lexi Inks

In the past, marriage was the ultimate form of commitment. Nowadays, romantic relationships look a bit different. While plenty of modern connections still follow the “relationship escalator,” aka the standard progression from dating to engagement to marriage, the dating phase often lasts longer and has sub-phases. If you’re in the dating pool, it’s likely you’ve encountered the phrase “exclusive...

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23.
Breaking Down What a Significant Other (S.O.) Is
Ashayla Blakely

Ashayla Blakely

“Will you be my girlfriend/boyfriend? Check box yes or no.” In school days, little notes may have been the easiest way to make things official with someone you liked. But once you’re grown, you’ve got to learn to have an actual conversation to DTR: define the relationship. All the 90s babies like me remember a time before texting and relationship statuses made dating so complicated. In the olden days, you didn’t...

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24.
Guide to Long-Distance Relationships: Benefits & Tips
Ashayla Blakely

Ashayla Blakely

I remember the day my boyfriend and I received notification that we had both been accepted into our dream Master's programs. Me at Florida State University and him at the University of Michigan. Although the moment was a very happy one, I couldn’t help but feel a bit sad that my college sweetheart and I would have to go through the ultimate couples challenge –– a long-distance relationship.  Long-distance...

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25.
What Are Serious Relationships? (And Why They Matter)
Ashayla Blakely

Ashayla Blakely

From being called a best friend to a girlfriend, titles have always been very important to me in relationships. I guess you can say I felt this way because the role of girlfriend makes me feel legit and secure in a relationship. A guy can always express fondness or show interest in me, but it doesn’t count as anything serious until they ask me to be their girlfriend. That’s when I know we are seriously...

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26.
Momental Designs Crafts Hand-Painted Wedding Stationery as Unique as Your Love Story
Chloë Hylkema

Chloë Hylkema

The Short Version: Momental Designs creates custom, hand-painted wedding stationery that leaves a lasting impression. The studio, founded by lead artist Kristy Rice, offers bespoke watercolor stationery infused with personal details. Kelley Nudo is Momental Design’s Operations Director. She talked to us about the studio’s approach and offerings and gave couples some tips about how to handle the stationery and...

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27.
What Is an Open Relationship? The Types, Benefits & Challenges
Cassey Ashley Sua

Cassey Ashley Sua

You may have heard of open relationships before. But how different are they from your classic monogamous relationship? Is your person still your person? An open relationship is like a dating buffet  — you've got plenty of options on the table, and you're free to sample every single one. In an open relationship, both (or all) parties agree to have romantic connections and sexual activities with others outside of...

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28.
The Essentials of Serious Dating: Definition, Characteristics & Impact
Amber Brooks

Amber Brooks

The rise of dating apps and sites has brought with it a lot of new dating terms. And everyone seems to have their own definitions and biases. With all these shifts in how people approach their dating life, it can be tough to know where you stand. When does a friend with benefits become a situationship? When does a steady hookup become exclusive? And what is serious dating?  Serious dating means looking for a...

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29.
How Do You Know When He’s A Keeper?
Lauren Sanders

Lauren Sanders

How do you know if a man is a keeper? What are the hallmarks of a healthy relationship? Many women wonder what qualities a man should exhibit if he’s marriage material. We’re here to shed some light on that topic. Here are some undeniable must-haves for the ideal mate. 1. He Treats You Well The most obvious sign that the man you’re dating is a keeper is if he treats you well. Is he consistently kind? Is he...

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30.
Can Non-Monogamy Ever Work?
Dr. Wendy Walsh

Dr. Wendy Walsh

Consensual non-monogamy is a hot topic in relationship news. The subject is so juicy lately, it’s been appearing on podcasts, in the news, and even in dating profiles. When a pervasive media trend crops up, I prefer to go to the academic research to find out more. My questions were simple: How common is consensual nom-monogamy really? Who’s most interested in it? (Spoiler alert: It’s men) Are people any happier in...

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Amber Brooks

By: Amber Brooks

Editor-in-Chief

Amber Brooks is the Editor-in-Chief at DatingAdvice.com. When she was growing up, her family teased her for being "boy crazy," but she preferred to think of herself as a budding dating and relationship expert. As an English major at the University of Florida, Amber honed her communication skills to write clearly, knowledgeably, and passionately about a variety of subjects. Now with over 1,800 lifestyle articles to her name, Amber brings her tireless wit and relatable experiences to DatingAdvice.com. She has been quoted by the Washington Times, Cosmopolitan, The New York Post, and AskMen, among others.

See Amber's full bio »

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