Ready for More Commitment? How to Make a Situationship Exclusive

Few feelings are more complicated than wanting to make a situationship less of a situation, and more of a relationship. Are you stuck in situationship limbo?

The next step is easier said than done: making things exclusive. It’s not impossible to achieve your goal, but it’s best to proceed with caution while navigating these choppy (and potentially awkward) waters.

From planting the seeds of commitment to strategies for ‘the talk,’ here’s our advice for making a situationship exclusive!

Dating Advice for Making a Situationshp Exclusive

Welcome Them Into Your Life

Some people can’t wait to show their fling off to their friends, while others dread the first meet and greet with the friend group. Whichever camp you’re in, welcoming your person into your world is a great way to show them what life could look like in a relationship.

If this step has you sweating, try to reduce the pressure of the situation as much as possible. For example, invite them to last-minute pre-drinks or quick afters. Keep the vibes casual, and think of it as a sneak preview!

Plan More Intimate Dates

As you move toward the exclusive stage, try swapping your casual meet-ups with more intimate outings. If a candle-lit dinner feels a bit too dramatic, try something calmer, like an afternoon coffee or a weekend hike.

Again, keep it casual. Don’t announce your reasoning behind the switch; just throw new plans out as a suggestion and see where things take you!

Get the Timing Right

There’s no ‘right time’ to ask for more, but you don’t want to jump the gun or let the moment pass. Most importantly, if you know how you feel, it’s generally better to express yourself honestly than keep your true feelings hidden.

If you’re going by date count, some people recommend about five dates as the goal for going exclusivity. Everyone’s different, so it’s essential to listen to your gut on this one!

Set the Scene

When you’ve decided the moment has come, don’t ask over text, and consider planning a special date to pop the question. You don’t need to go overboard with flowers and candles, but your location should aim to demonstrate that you truly care.

Whether it’s a nice dinner or a romantic walk, make sure you have the time and space to speak honestly and comfortably.

Acknowledge Their Boundaries

Ready to address the elephant in the room? Start the conversation with a recognition of their preferences, boundaries, and goals. If they previously mentioned wanting to keep things casual, say something along the lines of ‘I know you weren’t initially looking for anything serious, but…’

Knowing you’ve considered their past requests will position you as considerate and thoughtful!

Be Direct, and Don’t Overthink It!

However, don’t leave things too open-ended. Although revealing your true feelings can be vulnerable, you don’t want your person to walk away confused about your intentions. So, don’t forget to say the quiet part out loud: ‘I want to make things exclusive.’

Give Them Space to Speak

Now that you’ve gotten through the hard part, it’s time to give them the floor. Tell them that you’d love to know more about their feelings, their long-term goals, and how they’d like to proceed.

Don’t talk over them, and don’t put words in their mouth – simply allow them to speak their mind and be courteous in your responses!

Can’t Get an Answer? Agree to a Timeline

Even if this person is the one, they may need time to sort out their feelings. So, let them know that they can think things over, but try and establish a timeframe for hearing back. Whether it’s a week, month, or upcoming event, let them know that yes or no, you’ll feel more sane hearing back by a set time.

Best wishes for navigating the road ahead! With the right strategy and some romantic luck, you and your partner can enter this exciting new chapter with ease.

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