When do you know your ready for a relationship?

[Nicholls]

The question pretty much says it all, it's something I've been thinking about recently and having not had a proper girlfriend before I'm not quite sure how I would react in that situation.

My question to you lot, most of whom have some experience in this situation I would guess, is how do you know when you are ready to start dating? And if you have time, how do you work out exactly what you want from a relationship?

[ZHereford]

Hi Nicholls,

I would say a lot depends on your age. If you are really young (15-19) then dating and experimenting is the way to go because it gives you a chance to get to know yourself and what your tastes are.

When you get to be between 20-25 you might find you want a more committed relationship. This is also a time when you might be in university or trying to establish a career so you may still want a casual relationships.

I don't know your age, but no matter what, you need to know yourself. Everything begins there!

[Jes]

Kid, you'll never be ready. Start dating and get your heart broken as soon as you can, 'cause the earlier it happens, the more opportunity you have to get used to it in the future. Know what you want, but don't always expect to get it. Relationships are about "compromise."

Good luck, and remember that no one is worth jumping off a bridge for, despite whatever John Cusack role may tell you.

[somaziro]

Originally Posted by ZHereford

Hi Nicholls,

I would say a lot depends on your age. If you are really young (15-19) then dating and experimenting is the way to go because it gives you a chance to get to know yourself and what your tastes are.

When you get to be between 20-25 you might find you want a more committed relationship. This is also a time when you might be in university or trying to establish a career so you may still want a casual relationships.

I don't know your age, but no matter what, you need to know yourself. Everything begins there!

I don't think anyone can get to the stage where they experiment until they get over the commitment phase - that phase where you want a girlfriend/boyfriend because you need to validate to yourself that you can get a girlfriend/boyfriend - you know middle school and probably high school. I don't think you can just date around until after you get over that hurdle. Plus I think in those early relationships your heart falls alot easier because you are not jaded by past experiences as you are later in life and you can guard your heart and just date around

[John Hill]

The fact that you are asking these questions means you are well and truly ready to start dating, even if it is just friendly dating to begin with.

If you have never had a girlfriend before you won't really know what you want from a relationship till you spend some time in one. That's the exciting part though. If you are are a little nervous about the prospect, here is some info Scared of Dating that may be of some help. Good luck on the great adventure you have ahead.

John

[XeutonMojukai]

The way I know I'm ready for a relationship is when one suddenly manifests at a level perfect for my development.

Just work on yourself, and potential lovers will be excited by it.

~ David

[Victoria]

Originally Posted by XeutonMojukai

The way I know I'm ready for a relationship is when one suddenly manifests at a level perfect for my development.

Just work on yourself, and potential lovers will be excited by it.

~ David

That's a good way of putting it. Perhaps I should work harder on improving myself!

[A.K.Light]

I would say that as long as you love yourself and are comfortable with yourself, you should be ready to give a relationship a try.

[charlottecharade]

From my own personal experience, I would say to never go into a relationship "needy." I wouldn't advise going out with someone for the reasons of merely wanting a relationship and the fact that you get along with them. If you are looking to seeking a relationship

The purpose of dating someone is to compliment yourself and enrich your life, not fill a void or make you feel better. You should already feel complete as a person; you don't need another person to help create your life. You're in charge of yourself. When you add a boyfriend/girlfriend into the picture, both of you should walk side by side with your goals and ambitions.

If you feel you are independent, cabable, and able to rely upon yourself, I think you would be ready for a relationship.

[ultimate]

Originally Posted by ZHereford

Hi Nicholls,

I would say a lot depends on your age. If you are really young (15-19) then dating and experimenting is the way to go because it gives you a chance to get to know yourself and what your tastes are.

When you get to be between 20-25 you might find you want a more committed relationship. This is also a time when you might be in university or trying to establish a career so you may still want a casual relationships.

I don't know your age, but no matter what, you need to know yourself. Everything begins there!

Im 27 only had 1 month long relationship - help me out

[JimOfferman]

Im 27 only had 1 month long relationship - help me out

You don't need help. There is nothing wrong with you.

I'm 28 and I haven't even had that long a relationship. There's nothing wrong with me either - I just haven't had any lasting (romantic) relationships. Your (first) romantic relationship may come when you're 12, 24, 48 or 96 - when doesn't really matter. Just be sure that it will come to you, probably when you least expect it.

[deathwing9]

Originally Posted by Nicholls

The question pretty much says it all, it's something I've been thinking about recently and having not had a proper girlfriend before I'm not quite sure how I would react in that situation.

My question to you lot, most of whom have some experience in this situation I would guess, is how do you know when you are ready to start dating? And if you have time, how do you work out exactly what you want from a relationship?

One piece of advice.When you start dating you want to try ur best to please this girl I suggest you dont just do what u normally do to have fun cause thats who u are and if you change for her u might lose and the girl and ur self and you might find what u normally before u met her to not have the same effect as it use to.

[brandi]

you'll know when you meet her/him
you'll be so excited you can't sleep.
you'll want to be with them
do neat new things.
spend time with them on purpose.
it's neat to discover another soul in an intimate way.

love makes you do the silliest things
and they feel so good.
some one you think about,
make them on purpose.
you'll learn things about yourself too.
you'll start learning boundries as
you teach people how to treat you.

you'll know when it's right.
follow your heart and use your head.

broken hearted?
life guarantees you'll love again
as it does that you'll hurt again
only mourn but for a season
pick up the pieces and move on.