You have met a man. There's chemistry and sparks are flying. As time goes by and you get to know each other, you realize you have a lot in common and share similar values. You being to date and spend time together. Things seem to be moving in the right direction. The two of you have made it through the first stage of dating. Yeah!!!! Now you're thinking you'd like to take it to the next level and become exclusive.  

            Life at this stage is exciting so hold on tight, things could get bumpy. Getting to know someone can definitely be exhilarating, but negotiating your way from casual dating to exclusivity can be confusing as well. This is the time when a relationship either flourishes or dies    .

            How can you tell if your new love is serious about you? One way you can tell is by the frequency and timing of your dates together. A man playing it casual will always find an excuse to not go out on weekends. He typically won't date you more than once a week. On the other hand, a man who is ready to move forward in a relationship will not only find, but make the time to see you.  Men work hard all week and weekend nights are often play nights. If he is spending that time with you it is a clear signal that he is taking your relationship seriously.

            If a man takes an interest in what you do, who you are, what you are doing, it is a clear signal, he has been entertaining the idea of being exclusive and for a man, this is a big decision. If you are important to him, enough to become exclusive, he begins to take a more active interest in what you are doing and how you feel. Your actions now affect him. How you spend your time becomes more interesting to him.

            Typically, men use fewer words than women. Most men will not want to discuss certain details of his life until exclusivity has been established. When a man decides to ask a woman to become exclusive, it may come in the form of only one sentence. For example, he may simply say, "Would you like to be my girlfriend?" or  "Let's not date anyone else, okay?" Even though a woman may want to hear her man softly whisper romantic words and express dramatic forms of love and affection, she may find her man a little short on words. 

            Take your time and explore each stage of dating.  This is what builds a strong foundation for any relationship and a strong foundation is a healthy way to start a relationship that can last a lifetime.  

Janice Hoffman is the author of Relationship Rules.  To purchase this book, visit the Singlocity Bookstore.