Let's Talk Commitment (Page 4)

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:

91.
The Dating Advice Guru Tells Women 35 and Older What Men Are Thinking & How to Get Them to Commit
Amber Brooks

Amber Brooks

The Short Version: The modern dating scene can be a confusing place to find love. Single women often want a committed relationship, but they don't know how to attract and keep a quality guy, and they end up frustrated by one-night stands, one-word texts, and one more disappointment. Fortunately, the Dating Advice Guru Carlos Cavallo can teach women how to read the signs, gauge their man's interest levels, and meet...

Read More »
92.
The Relationship Coaching Institute Trains Professionals & Aspiring Coaches to Help Singles & Build a Successful Coaching Business
Amber Brooks

Amber Brooks

The Short Version: In 1997, the Relationship Coaching Institute (RCI) became the first and largest relationship coach training organization focused on teaching others how to compassionately help singles and couples achieve their relationship goals. The Founder, David Steele, has spent decades working with singles and couples on their interpersonal issues, and now his lessons on relationship fundamentals guide...

Read More »
93.
Perfect Partners: How Shannon Davidoff’s Personalized Matchmaking Services Are Helping Selective South African Professionals Find Love
Jessica Lollino

Jessica Lollino

The Short Version: If you’re a South African professional seeking a long-term, satisfying relationship, Perfect Partners can put you on the path to love with its bespoke approach to matchmaking. The agency’s CEO, Shannon Davidoff, and her team take the stress out of the dating process and make finding a connection the fun experience it should be. Through a selective vetting process and a unique blend of corporate...

Read More »
94.
Certified Relationship Coach Dr. Heavenly Kimes Inspires Clients With Real Talk About What Makes Marriages Last
Amber Brooks

Amber Brooks

The Short Version: Over the past few years, Atlanta-based dentist Dr. Heavenly Kimes has expanded her résumé to include the occupations of reality TV star, best-selling author, and certified relationship coach. Her inspirational guidelines for finding love currently reach more than 310,000 Instagram followers as well as countless readers and listeners around the world. Drawing from lessons she learned in her 35+...

Read More »
95.
Kowalke Relationship Coaching™ — Empowering Singles & Couples to Understand the Nature of Love & Build Passionate Bonds That Last
Amber Brooks

Amber Brooks

The Short Version: Over the years, in both his personal and professional life, Peter Kowalke has witnessed many people settling for mediocre relationships. He founded Kowalke Relationship Coaching with a mission to transform these humdrum bonds into the kind that are thought to only take place in movies. With a customized process grounded in philosophy and psychology, Peter and his team help build relationships that...

Read More »
96.
Eastern European Matchmaker: Successfully Cultivating Long-Term Connections Between Czech Women & American Men
Sean Garrity

Sean Garrity

The Short Version: The Czech Republic’s rich cultural history inspired by adventure and romance is attracting a growing number of American men looking for love, and Eastern European Matchmaker is helping them find it. The agency's bespoke approach to international dating connects Western men and Czech women who are seeking long-term, life-changing relationships. Owners Rodney and Jitka Rogers (themselves a product of...

Read More »
97.
DateWorks: Deanna Cobden Coaches Singles on How to Commit to Love & Happiness
Hayley Matthews

Hayley Matthews

The Short Version: Certified dating coach Deanna Cobden is a knowledgeable and compassionate resource for singles facing all sorts of dating challenges. Deanna's dating advice emphasizes taking action and getting results. Her one-on-one assistance gives daters the skills, motivation, and confidence to tackle every aspect of the modern dating world. Based in Vancouver, the dating and relationship expert offers...

Read More »
98.
Mutual Attraction™ — How Award-Winning Matchmaker Caroline Brealey Puts Londoners on the Path to Finding True Love
Amber Brooks

Amber Brooks

The Short Version: In 2011, matchmaker Caroline Brealey had a novel idea. If people could put their devices down and simply meet face to face, they’d have a much better shot at finding love. And she was right. Since starting her award-winning dating service, Mutual Attraction, Caroline and her team have connected countless London-based singles with their soul mates through a personalized, discreet approach. If you’re...

Read More »
99.
Love Mentor Elizabeth Sullivan Gives Kind Encouragement to Smart Women Seeking Long-Term Relationships
Amber Brooks

Amber Brooks

The Short Version: Elizabeth Sullivan, aka the Love Mentor, gets women in the right mindset to attract a serious partner, maintain loving relationships, and succeed in all aspects of life. She offers one-to-one coaching and instructive workshops for anyone seeking level-headed and compassionate mentorship. Her friendly encouragement guides singles and couples toward love and fulfillment. Trained as a clinical...

Read More »
100.
Dating4grownups: A Traditional & Personalized UK Matchmaking Company Helps Singles Over 40 Find Love
Hayley Matthews

Hayley Matthews

The Short Version: Based in the UK, Dating4grownups offers single men and women of a certain age streamlined matchmaking services with a personal touch. If you're looking for long-term love, the matchmaking firm provides a welcome relief from online dating and crowded bars in the Southeast of England. The experienced matchmaking team, led by Dating4grownups Founder David Mintz, introduces single adults to date...

Read More »
101.
Mass Match: Lanie Delphin Runs a Private, Affordable Dating Service in Western Massachusetts
Hayley Matthews

Hayley Matthews

The Short Version: Lanie Delphin is a down-to-earth matchmaker with 15 years of experience helping clients find love. She started Mass Match, a private dating service in Western Massachusetts, to bring a personalized touch to the matchmaking business. She meets one on one with her clients and relies on her intuition to recommend date prospects. Over the years, thousands of singles of all orientations, ages, and...

Read More »
102.
Since 1994, Elite Connections™ Has Offered Private Matchmaking Services to Successful & Attractive Singles Worldwide
Hayley Matthews

Hayley Matthews

The Short Version: Sometimes dating can feel like a part-time job. Searching for a date in real life and on dating websites takes a significant amount of time, and not everyone has the energy to tackle it by themselves. Fortunately, the exclusive matchmaking services at Elite Connections can help single men and women worldwide to date more efficiently. A close-knit team of matchmakers introduces singles on dates...

Read More »
103.
The Gottman Institute Takes a Research-Based Approach to Relationship Support
Amber Brooks

Amber Brooks

The Short Version: The Gottman Institute was founded in 1996 by Dr. John Gottman and Dr. Julie Schwartz Gottman, leading researchers and clinical psychologists. Together, the Gottmans designed experiential workshops and science-based strategies for couples in committed relationships. The Gottman Method for happy relationships draws from 40 years of research with more than 3,000 couples. You and your loved one can...

Read More »
104.
Verily Magazine Empowers Women With Uplifting, Honest Articles About Dating & Relationships
Hayley Matthews

Hayley Matthews

The Short Version: Verily Magazine, a female-friendly media outlet, strikes a refreshing and positive tone when discussing dating and relationships online. The lifestyle and fashion magazine posts thoughtful articles that delve into issues that affect modern women. Recently, the magazine expanded its reach by launching an online relationship course called The Roadmap to a Happy Marriage. This all-online program gives...

Read More »
105.
3 Common Lesbian Dating Myths Debunked
Barb Elgin

Barb Elgin

As I did research for this article, one word stood out to me: sex. It showed up everywhere. Even with recent advances in public acceptance for the LGBTQ community, the Internet is still obsessed with what goes on beneath the sheets between lesbian couples. However, when I talk to my lesbian friends and therapy patients, I hear a different story than the one the search results tell. We rank sex as important in our...

Read More »
106.
How to Ask a Girl to Be Your Girlfriend — 15 Best, Cute & Romantic Ways
Hunt Ethridge

Hunt Ethridge

I’ve always loved dating — meeting new people, winning them over, flirting, the fun tension, all of it. One thing I didn’t like, however, was figuring out the definitions. Are we seeing each other, dating, hooking up, hanging out, or what? A recent client of mine experienced the same feelings. He was 27 years old and had never been kissed, but he was eager to learn about dating. Midway through our sessions, he met a...

Read More »
107.
How to Keep Love Alive: Doc Love Has 50+ Years of Experience Giving Relationship Advice to Men
Amber Brooks

Amber Brooks

The Short Version: Doc Love, a relationship coach with over five decades of experience, advises men on what to do (and what not to do) to keep a woman in love for years to come. He came up with "The System" and "The Mastery Series" to teach men how to live out the saying "Happy wife, happy life." His training resources go beyond simply getting a date and tackle the more long-term concern of satisfying your partner...

Read More »
108.
The Matchmaker of Maine Brings a Personal Touch to the New England Dating Scene
Hayley Matthews

Hayley Matthews

The Short Version: The Matchmaker of Maine has been bringing New Englanders together for 30+ years and has established an effective system to help their clients meet the right people. Founder Ron Cater and his team have matched over 35,000 singles since he started the company in 1982, and they plan to help many more through their perseverance and personal style. The company, which mainly focuses on men and women aged...

Read More »
109.
Andrea Syrtash, Author of Cheat on Your Husband (With Your Husband) & He’s Just Not Your Type (And That’s a Good Thing), Says Don’t Press Snooze on Your Relationships
Lauren Keys

Lauren Keys

The Short Version: After more than a dozen years of researching relationships, first as a journalist and then as a relationship coach, today Andrea Syrtash is a published author, television host, and on-air relationship expert. Her book, "Cheat On Your Husband (With Your Husband): How to Date Your Spouse," is centered on bringing (and keeping) the love into a marriage. In her book, she offers tips on communication...

Read More »
110.
How to Be in a Lesbian Relationship[updated_month_year before=" (" after=")"]
Kathy Belge

Kathy Belge

Falling in love with a woman is wonderful and exciting, and there are definitely some things you can do that will give you two the best chance at success. Here's how to be in a healthy and happy lesbian relationship: 1. Find the Right Woman Being in a lesbian relationship all starts with meeting the right gay girl. You could try having your friends set you up or go out to the lesbian bars. However, nothing...

Read More »
111.
11 Best Wedding Blogs
Hayley Matthews

Hayley Matthews

Everyone loves a good wedding, but pulling one off is no easy task. If you want to make the celebration fun, magical, and not to mention stress-free for yourself and your guests, you'll want to turn to our 11 Best Wedding Blogs. From DIY tips to expert reviews, these great sites have everything you need to make sure the day (or night) goes off without a hitch. LoveToKnow...

Read More »
112.
Nolo: Bringing You the Latest Updates to LGBT Marriage Laws (2 Essential Guides)
Hayley Matthews

Hayley Matthews

The 411: Since 1971, Nolo has been known for its do-it-yourself legal books and software, breaking down complicated laws and jargon for the masses, particularly in the LGBT space. With the Supreme Court ruling that same-sex marriage is now legal in all 50 states, Nolo helps keep us in the know with updates to two of its most important marriage and domestic partnership guides.  History was made on June, 26, 2015 as...

Read More »
113.
3 Ways the Legalization of Gay Marriage Will Affect Your Love Life
Brian Rzepczynski

Brian Rzepczynski

A big victory occurred for the gay community on Friday, June 26, 2015: The Supreme Court legalized gay marriage nationwide, finally granting us our constitutional right to legally wed our partners. This landmark action coincided with Gay Pride festivities across the United States and really gives us reason to celebrate. It is a beautiful thing to witness this in our lifetime after all of the struggles we’ve endured...

Read More »
114.
6 Cutest Celebrity Pregnancy Announcements
Shelby Davidson

Shelby Davidson

From pregnancy tests to "I'm going to be a big brother" T-shirts, celebrities always find creative ways to tell the world about their baby news. Whether the announcement be on social media or in public, we can expect a less than average reveal. "Glee" star Naya Rivera confirmed her pregnancy through a pretty adorable Instagram post, where she flaunted her blossoming belly in a bathing suit. Although she revealed an...

Read More »
115.
Just Married! 6 Reasons Nikki Reed & Ian Somerhalder Are Freakin’ Adorable
Shelby Davidson

Shelby Davidson

You know it's real when your SO makes a sappy Instagram post for your birthday, essentially professing their love for you to all of the social media world. That's exactly what Ian Somerhalder did for wife Nikki Reed on May 18, 2015. Just weeks after tying the knot, Somerhalder wrote an emotional message for her on her special day, among other photos where he repeats how happy she makes him. The two didn't waste any...

Read More »
116.
“Luckiest Girl Alive”: A Daring Novel That Looks to Be 2015’s “Gone Girl”
Hayley Matthews

Hayley Matthews

The 411: Jessica Knoll exposes the real, raw thoughts of millennial women in her twisted and sharp debut novel, "Luckiest Girl Alive." With advance praise for the book, Lionsgate received the movie rights to the story, which will be produced by "Gone Girl" producer Reese Witherspoon.  TifAni FaNelli has it all: an envy-worthy wardrobe, a trophy husband-to-be and a secret. The 28-year-old's glamorous New York City...

Read More »
117.
6 Possible Outcomes When Dating a Married Lesbian
Mary Gorham Malia

Mary Gorham Malia

So you're dating a married lesbian? Yes, it happens and more often than most people would think. I receive many emails every month from women telling me they are dating a married woman and life has become a real mess. Well, of course it has! Sometimes love just shows up and surprises us. Married women can be lonely, sad and feel stuck in a marriage that isn’t working, and when a woman shows up and pays attention to...

Read More »
118.
8 Best Wedding Caterers of 2015
Hayley Matthews

Hayley Matthews

When planning a wedding, it can feel like the decision-making will never end. The pressures of picking the perfect dress, flowers, food, music and more can be overwhelming at best. When choosing your vendors to take care of all the fine details of your wedding day, you need vetted professionals — the best in their field. When it comes to the food your friends and family will be eating on your big day, you want the...

Read More »
119.
How Do I Know He’s the One for Me?
Lyndra Hearn Antonson

Lyndra Hearn Antonson

You meet someone and there’s a strong physical attraction. You share common interests and you start going out. The new coupling provides lots of thrills, excitement and new adventures. Several months into the relationship, you’ve given your heart and your body, only to discover you’re not as well-suited as you’d thought. Then you either stay in a relationship that doesn’t make you happy, or you end it and someone...

Read More »
120.
Loving More Non-Profit: The Leading Polyamory Resource
Hayley Matthews

Hayley Matthews

The 411: Going on its 29th year, Loving More Non-Profit is still the go-to organization for polyamory awareness, whether it's news, events, support, resources, activism, advice — you name it. When she was 24, Robyn Trask realized monogamy wasn't for her. After a few failed one-on-one serious relationships, Trask quickly saw that love is more expansive than that. Robyn Trask, Executive Director of Loving More...

Read More »
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 »

Share the Knowledge!

Our dating experts work hard to show you the best dating sites. Want to show your appreciation? Share this page!