In my younger years *okay, I’m not that old*, I wondered, are we a couple? Then I’d try to figure out if the relationship I was in was actually a relationship or just something casual. And I never wanted to bring it up in conversation. I was nervous I’d be rejected.
So, I would try to decode every single action or phrase he would say in hopes of getting one step closer to the truth. Though I have to admit, that never ended well for me. In the end, I would end up getting rejected because I was always tiptoeing around the subject instead of going at it head-on. And I get it; it’s not easy confronting someone you like and seeing where you stand.
Are we a couple? 14 signs that show you’re more than just casual
But listen, you should do it. Of course, use these signs to help you better understand what’s going on, but eventually, you should sit down and have a chat with them. I know it sounds nerve wracking. Honestly, what’s more stressful is wasting your time on someone who doesn’t want the same things as you.
I know “labeling” relationships isn’t a trend right now, but that doesn’t mean you need to call each other boyfriend and girlfriend. You just need to know how they’re taking this relationship and whether or not you are on the same page.
It’s time to answer, are we a couple?
1. You two have said the three magical words
Ah, yes, the three magical words. Some people love to say, ‘I love you’ without any meaning, but most of us take those three words very seriously.
If your partner has told you they love you, and you said it back, well, it’s pretty clear there’s more to this relationship than you think. [Read: The heartfelt signs it’s the right time to say I love you]
2. You spend a lot of time together
You don’t see each other once every other week, no way. You see each other a lot. Maybe a couple of times during the week, and you spend your weekends together. If this was just a fling, you would only see each other to hook up.
3. You met each other’s friends and family
Now, I’m not talking about accidentally bumping into your partner’s dad at the grocery store for the first time. I mean, you and your partner go and have dinner with your parents or vice versa. If you’re meeting each other’s inner circle, that’s a sign you’re looking for more. [Read: All the clear signs both of you are ready for a real relationship]
4. They’re always on your mind
Of course, this doesn’t mean you are in an exclusive relationship, but it does show where your feelings are on the spectrum. Are you always thinking of them? If so, it’s clear you’re falling for them. Now, do they feel the same?
5. You share intimate things with them
We don’t share personal information with people we don’t feel comfortable around. But, when you’re around them, your walls are down, and you share deep and personal things about yourself. The beautiful part is they also do the same.
6. You stopped using dating apps
Well, this certainly means your relationship is heading in the right direction. Of course, this doesn’t mean you are exclusive, but it does mean you’re not interested in meeting new people. You want to give this relationship a shot and see what happens.
7. You talk about the future together
Now, it doesn’t have to be a conversation about marriage and kids; when you talk about the future, it can be weeks or months from now. But if you’re wondering if you are a couple or not, look at your conversations. Do you talk about sharing your future together? [Read: 19 clear signs you’re ready for a serious relationship]
8. You’re comfortable around each other
When you are around each other, there’s a level of comfort. You don’t need to wear a full face of make-up around your partner or clean your apartment from top to bottom just to impress them.
There’s a level of comfort you share; you no longer need to impress each other, and that shows a lot about where you both are in the relationship.
9. You’re only sleeping with them
Maybe you have a booty call you text when you’re in the mood, but since dating your partner, you’re no longer intimate with anyone else.
Just the thought of it makes you feel uneasy in your stomach. And if the idea of seeing other people is making you feel bad, it’s clear you have serious feelings for your partner. [Read: Dating vs. Relationship – 14 signs to know your real status]
10. You celebrate special events together
Whether it’s Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or a birthday, you celebrate all special occasions together. And that’s really great. It shows you like each other and want to celebrate those events together. You two are a couple… right?
Who thought this would be such a big deal? But it is! No one will post photos of someone on their social media unless they want to show people who they’re with. And if you and your partner post lovey-dovey photos on your social media accounts, that means something.
12. You talk all the time
Not a moment goes by where you aren’t sending each other texts, photos, or memes. This person has become your go-to partner, someone you feel comfortable enough to talk to all the time. If they’re equally as talkative, that’s always a good sign.
13. You have the key to their house and vice versa
This is a pretty big sign. Why would you give your key to someone you don’t trust? Am I right? Of course, I am. Listen, if you both have keys to each other’s apartments, I don’t know why you aren’t exclusive by now. [Read: The grey area between dating exclusively but not in a relationship]
14 Everyone thinks you’re dating each other
Okay, well, again, this doesn’t necessarily mean you are a couple. But it always helps when other people see what’s going on. Everyone thinks you two are dating, even though you haven’t talked about it. And if they think you’re dating, then it’s a sign you must have the talk.
[Read: Are you really in love? – 21 signs to decode that fuzzy feeling]
What do you think? You now know the signs, and when you look at your relationship, can you answer yes to are we a couple? Regardless, it’s time to have the talk.