Key Factors To Consider Before Going Public With Your Relationship - Page 4

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There’s something about new love that gives us this burning desire to tell the world about our new partner. However, most grown-ups know better. Telling too many people about your budding romance prematurely not only poses a potential threat to your newfound love, but it could also open you both up to possible embarrassment if things go sour quickly. At the same time, most of us don’t want to date in secret forever. So how do you know when it’s time to share news of your relationship? Honestly, there are a variety of factors to be considered before you can make an informed decision that best suits your specific situation. Continue reading to find out what those factors are.

Have you met each other’s families?

Meeting the family is a major relationship milestone and, oftentimes, our loved ones can pick up on red flags that we may not notice. If you’ve already crossed this bridge, it should be okay for you to make news of your relationship public at this point.

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Have you moved beyond the honeymoon stage?

We all have friends or associates who claim to be deeply in love with their new boo on Monday and are breaking up by Sunday. It’s because they’re always jumping the gun and ready to profess their love from the rooftops before they’re fully settled within the relationship. Once you’ve made it out of the honeymoon phase, are able to see each other sans the rose-colored glasses, and are completely content with what you see, it’s probably safe to go public with your relationship.

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Have you weathered your first disagreement?

You’d be surprised by how many relationships don’t survive that first fight. Being able to move beyond that first argument and recognizing that you don’t have to break up just because you disagree suggests that you may be in a relationship worth holding onto.

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Have you noticed questionable behavior that gives you pause?

So often we remain in relationships that we should have left long ago for the sake of keeping up appearances. At the beginning of a relationship, you meet a person’s representative; however, people can only hide their true colors begin to seep through. If you’ve been together long enough to recognize that there are parts of your partner’s personality that you’re not crazy about (because there will definitely be some of those even in the best relationships), but haven’t noticed any red flag behavior or habits that give you pause, it should be okay to share news of your relationship if you’re comfortable with doing so.

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Are you certain things are serious?

Because we all know when we’re just playing around and when we’re moving towards something more long-term.

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Have you discussed long-term plans?

When talking about plans for the future, do you include one another in those plans? While there are no guarantees in life, this could definitely be a sign that your relationship is pretty solid.

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Have been together at least three months?

Many relationship experts use month three as a benchmark for couples who are looking to make their courtship public.

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Did your previous relationship end at least six months ago?

If you just ended a relationship not so long ago, it might be best to wait a little bit before telling the world about your new love interest.

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Are you happy?

Though some have no qualms with doing so, it’s completely absurd to publicize a relationship in which you are miserable.

Follow Jazmine on Twitter @jazminedenise and visit her blog, Black Girl Mom.