Let's Talk Commitment (Page 2)

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.

324 Results

What Our Experts Say:

31.
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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32.
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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33.
A Celebrant Can Make or Break a Wedding: Officiant Alisa Tongg Gives Couples Tips for Choosing the Right One
Chloë Hylkema

Chloë Hylkema

The Short Version: The officiant of a wedding can have a huge impact on everything about the day, from the overall vibe to the big “I do” itself. More couples are attracted to the idea of having a friend or family officiate, and this choice comes with a unique set of responsibilities and concerns. Alisa Tongg is a Certified Life Cycle Celebrant, and she talked to us about why the right celebrant is so important and...

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34.
My Chef Catering Provides a New Taste of Excellence for Couples on Their Wedding Day
Ashayla Blakely

Ashayla Blakely

The Short Version: Attending a wedding is a beautiful and life-changing experience. But as beautiful as it is, wedding planning is far from simple. That’s why most couples hire wedding planners and caterers to help them on their big day. Located in Chicago, My Chef Catering is a top catering service for weddings. With its gourmet selections, My Chef Catering is committed to serving the Chicago area with quality and...

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35.
From Custom Dresses to Destination Planning, Dressarte Paris Is a One-Stop Wedding Shop
Jordan Sprogis

Jordan Sprogis

The Short Version: Getting married ranks as the seventh most stressful event a person can experience. While your wedding day should be one of the happiest days of your life, the actual journey doesn’t usually match that description. Planning a wedding is a huge undertaking, from budgeting problems to finding the perfect dress and venue. But luckily, that’s where Dressarte Paris steps in. From custom dresses to...

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36.
3 Signs You’re Ready to Propose (and How to Pop the Question)
Hunt Ethridge

Hunt Ethridge

When I proposed to my wife, she laughed at me. Definitely NOT the reaction I was hoping for! Once she realized that I was serious and that it wasn’t, in fact, a joke, she accepted and hugged and kissed me. But man, for a few seconds there, every guy’s worst nightmare was happening! I botched the proposal. Well, not botched, but it definitely wasn’t the proposal I had in mind, either. Proposing is something that...

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37.
9 Tips for Meeting Your SO’s Family Over the Holidays
Mackenzie Buck

Mackenzie Buck

I’m all about the “out with the old, in with the new” mentality when it comes to expectations surrounding modern relationships. As the holiday season approaches (and Mariah Carey resumes her position as number one on the music charts), however, a particularly antiquated mentality comes to mind — one that is summed up by the expression “No ring, no bring.” As much as I think we should resist lugging any ol’ Hinge...

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38.
A Creative Cake from The Makery Can Make Your Colorado Wedding Extra Special
Lexi Inks

Lexi Inks

The Short Version: Among all the details and decisions associated with getting married, one of the most impactful is your choice of wedding cake. Choosing a wedding cake is an opportunity to put your stamp of love on your event, but only if you place creative responsibility in the hands of craftspeople who care. In Denver and all of Colorado, the sugar artists at The Makery have your back. At The Makery, you can...

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39.
Special Moments Events Planning Forecasts Happy Wedding Days — Even in the Florida Heat
Lexi Inks

Lexi Inks

The Short Version: So many details and decisions are involved in the wedding planning process — especially in a state like Florida. The climate and weather patterns tend to require some extra planning and consideration when you’re throwing a wedding in the Sunshine State, but not to worry: Special Moments Event Planning makes planning your Florida wedding an absolute dream.  Planning a wedding is no easy...

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40.
13 Most Scenic U.S. Cities for a Proposal
Mackenzie Buck

Mackenzie Buck

Proposals have always been a big deal, but they’ve certainly upped their game over the past couple of decades. And why shouldn’t they? Love, especially in times like these, is worth celebrating.  That said, the location and backdrop for your big moment has become quite the big decision — one that has the power to add an extra layer of magic to your already moving love story. So, how do you make the perfect...

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41.
Speechy Founder Shares Tips in Her Book “The Modern Couple’s Guide to Wedding Speeches”
Chloë Hylkema

Chloë Hylkema

The Short Version: Speechy is a wedding speech service led by Heidi Ellert-McDermott and a team of wedding speech-writing experts. Speechy is based in the U.K. but serves clients all over the world. Speechy offers templates, speech writing advice, and bespoke services that bring the speechwriter through every step until the wedding day. Heidi’s new book, “The Modern Couple’s Guide for Wedding Speeches,” helps...

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42.
Forged In the North is a Creative Collective That Captures Candid Wedding Moments
Amber Brooks

Amber Brooks

The Short Version: Forged in the North is a collective of wedding photographers and videographers who believe that the best way to create fun wedding memories is to (oddly enough) have fun! Using a healthy level of inner-group competition and a strong commitment to innovation, this NYC-based studio memorializes your special candid moments in authentic and industry-leading ways.  It feels like everyone and...

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43.
10 Best California Wedding Planners of 2023
Chloë Hylkema

Chloë Hylkema

The perfect wedding day is a bit of a myth. Most times, the day of the wedding is simultaneously the busiest, best, and most stressful day of a couple’s life together. It’s full of exciting moments, juggling family and friends, and trying to remember every last bit of a jam-packed day. The big day is often full of big celebrations and bigger emotions.  Achieving a beautiful and elegant wedding is a difficult...

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44.
How Long Before Becoming Official? A Guide for Lesbian Couples
Pamela Gort

Pamela Gort

When two women come together in a romantic relationship, it's a beautiful thing. The journey to official status can be exciting, nerve-wracking, and filled with uncertainty.  Deciding to make your lesbian relationship official is a significant step in your journey as a couple. It is a decision and commitment to be a couple who is serious about their relationship. But it's natural to have questions and...

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45.
Bario Neal Creates Sustainable and One-of-a-Kind Jewelry for Every Couple
Chloë Hylkema

Chloë Hylkema

The Short Version: Bario Neal is a jewelry company bringing sustainable practices and inclusive environments into the engagement ring industry. Founded in 2008, Bario Neal offers a diverse array of engagement rings, wedding bands, and other kinds of jewelry for couples who want to mark an important moment in their lives with a beautiful piece of jewelry. The company’s main focus is on transparent and ethical gemstone...

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46.
Momental Designs Is a Bespoke Stationery Company That Wows Couples With Custom Wedding Invitations
Amber Brooks

Amber Brooks

The Short Version: Invitations are easy to overlook when planning a wedding, but they can offer you and your guests a wonderful keepsake from your special day. Momental Designs offers gorgeous custom wedding invitations that your guests are sure to save. This reliable bespoke stationary company knows how to bring your dream design to life. Planning a wedding can be one of the most exciting times in your life. It's...

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47.
10 Tips for Meeting the Parents for the First Time
Rachel Dack

Rachel Dack

Meeting the parents is a huge milestone in any serious relationship. The timing is a personal decision based on a number of individual, relationship, and cultural factors. In some cases, both romantic partners may feel completely confident and ready. In others, the appropriate time might be more difficult to assess. However, answering yes to the following five questions can signal it could be the right time for...

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48.
Looking Back on 2022 Weddings: Professionals Say Smaller Weddings Are Here to Stay
Ashayla Blakely

Ashayla Blakely

The Short Version: Everyone has a vision for how they want their future wedding to be. If you’re as prepared as I am, you may even have the nitty-gritty details of the color scheme, the Spotify playlist, and who will be in the wedding party. One of the first decisions of wedding planning is how big you want the wedding to be. Based on our research on 2022 wedding trends, it seems smaller weddings have been the way to...

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49.
Sameera Sullivan Offers Her Hands-On Matchmaking Services to Arizona Singles
Sheena Holt

Sheena Holt

The Short Version: Singles turn to matchmaking services to add a personal touch to their dating experiences. They want a guiding hand to help them find compatible dates. Sameera Sullivan Matchmakers excels at assisting singles through every step of the dating and relationship process. Sameera and her team of matchmakers have expanded their services to the Scottsdale and Phoenix area where they are actively improving...

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50.
How to Keep a Lesbian Woman Interested
Dr. Frankie Bashan

Dr. Frankie Bashan

When you find that woman you are interested in, you want her to be interested in you too, right? And, if you two happen to hit it off and you want to continue in a relationship, keeping her happy and interested in you is key to having an exciting, loving, and healthy one that lasts. If you are wondering how to do that, then this article is for you. Here are my expert tips for keeping a lesbian woman interested for...

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51.
6 Signs You May Have Fear of Commitment
Hunt Ethridge

Hunt Ethridge

Good relationships are awesome!  You vibe off each other, someone else “gets” you and you’ve got a copilot for the fun and ridiculous things you get up to.  But for gamophobes, that can seem downright terrifying, whether knowingly or unknowingly. Gamophobia, or fear of commitment, can rear its ugly head in many ways.  While there is not a definitive if/then list, there are a few signs that usually...

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52.
Wedding Professionals Weigh in on Industry Trends
Sheena Holt

Sheena Holt

The Short Version: Modern weddings have changed dramatically in the past couple years. While adapting to a pandemic and high inflation rates, many couples and wedding professionals have had to get creative with wedding services. We spoke to multiple wedding industry experts about the changes they've seen in how modern couples are making their weddings work. The past few years have proven a strange time for engaged...

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53.
How to Make Him Say “I Love You”
Kara Pound

Kara Pound

A question for the ages -- how do I get the guy I love to say "I love you." There are many things to consider. For one, is he shy about saying “I love you," even though he has said it in the past and you know he feels it? Or has he never said “I love you” and you are trying to force those precious words out of him? If it’s the latter, then there’s more to talk about than those three little words. If you’re trying to...

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54.
The Official App Allows Couples to Strengthen Their Relationships by Building Commitment
Amber Brooks

Amber Brooks

The Short Version: Couples who have recently made their relationships official often want to create foundations for lasting love. Two practices that strengthen relationships are checking in with each other and trying new things together. Official is an app for couples that helps them build healthy habits and keep their relationships fresh year after year. The app offers date-planning tools and encourages couples to...

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55.
7 Top Tips for Winning Over Your Girlfriend’s Family During the Holidays
Hunt Ethridge

Hunt Ethridge

With the holiday season approaching and the world opening up a bit more, you will likely have more opportunities to meet with family.  Maybe it’s your own family or maybe you’ll be meeting your girlfriend’s family for the first time.  I know meeting the in-laws can be an anxious experience.  Will they approve of me?  Is the brother or father going to be overly protective?  How do I get the...

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56.
How to Move in with Your Girlfriend
Hunt Ethridge

Hunt Ethridge

Say you’ve been dating your girlfriend for a while and things are going great. You’ve had a few fights but nothing you couldn’t work out. You’ve had the exclusive talk. You may be ready for the next leap in a relationship and jump into cohabitating.  When done right, moving in together can be the most awesome thing in the world! But done wrong, it can lead to lots of stress that could...

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57.
4 Tips for a Long-Lasting Gay Marriage
Mason Glenn

Mason Glenn

Newly engaged and married couples often spend blissful months gazing happily into each other's eyes and cruising from one romantic experience to another. But once the honeymoon is over, the real work begins. You and your husband may have had fun going on dates or maybe even living together, but things can change when it's a marriage and not a dating relationship. It's a thrilling new chapter, and it can present...

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58.
5 Things To Do Before Asking Your Boyfriend to Move in With You
Mason Glenn

Mason Glenn

Moving in with your significant other is a huge step. It demonstrates a big commitment, and it can test the strength of your relationship -- or reveal its weaknesses. Making the decision to move in together can be extremely exciting and intimidating at the same time. Experts say personal growth starts with being uncomfortable. That's when you feel most motivated to change. Creating a home with your new man may not...

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59.
5 Ways to Propose to Your Girlfriend
Hunt Ethridge

Hunt Ethridge

When I proposed to the woman who is now my wife, it happened unexpectedly. I knew I was going to ask her to marry me sometime, but I didn’t have a lot of money at the time. So I was buying the ring in stages. I had already bought the main jewel and was working on the smaller ones around it. At a family party, a good friend heard that I was saving up to buy a ring and asked if I wanted their old family ring that...

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60.
Lasting The Distance Offers First-Hand Advice for Couples in Long-Distance Relationships
Hayley Matthews

Hayley Matthews

The Short Version: Relationships aren’t easy, but long-distance relationships can be particularly hard to maintain. Lolo and Nate, a couple who spent over a year with about 11,000 miles between them, know this from experience. And now they share the secrets to their success in an advice blog called Lasting The Distance. Lolo and Nate found clever ways to overcome the space between them and strengthen their love 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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