The Art of Making It Official: How to Take Your Relationship to the Next Level

When it comes to being in a relationship, making it official can make all the difference. No longer do couples have to wait for an arbitrary social milestone or take residence together just to “make things official.” To take your relationship to the next level, consider the following tips.

A great way to make your relationship official is through commitment. Talk with your partner about your expectations, especially with regard to exclusivity. If you’re comfortable, both of you can commit to avoid all forms of contact with any potential romantic interests online or in person. This is also a great time to talk about where you both would like the relationship to go.

In addition to commitment, communication is key. Find a healthy balance when initiating conversations about the expectations of your relationship, as well as how best to navigate day-to-day life together. Communication is so important; it should not only be present in moments of conflict but also used as an everyday tool, regardless of whether the intention is to share information or simply connect in a meaningful way.

Making your relationship official also often presents the opportunity for each of you to express vulnerability. The adage of ‘it takes two to tango’ is universally true. Both sides should be open and honest about how they’re feeling and what their needs are. Of course, this should honor the feelings of their partner too. This is an imperative step when demonstrating that you and your partner’s relationship has matured into something serious.

Having fun is another way to appreciate your relationship and to take it to new heights. As the saying goes, life happens while we are busy making plans. Date nights, game nights and weekend getaways can provide an escape from the daily grind and remind you why you fell in love in the first place.

When you and your partner reach the point of making it “official,” consider celebrating your commitment. Whether you plan an intimate getaway, throw a party or write heartfelt letters to one another, you have the opportunity to mark the milestone of officially taking your relationship to the next level.

Making it official can mean something different for each couple, yet no matter what that meaning is, the most important thing to remember is that it should not be done out of pressure or fear of consequence. If it doesn’t feel right, take the time to reflect and discuss what the best way is for both you and your partner to find closure. This can include soul searching and/or have specific discussions about your current relationship status.

Communication, trust and understanding will always be the backbone of any strong relationship. Making it official does not always have to be a stressful process. Instead, use it as an opportunity to reflect on your journey and build a better future.