Though not all singles date with the hopes of settling down someday, many singles do tend to approach dating as a mate selection process that if successful, could eventually lead to the development of a more serious relationship. The hard part is being able to recognize if, when and how any given couple should make the transition from “dating” to “relationship” status.

Sometimes figuring out that you are incompatible with a certain someone turns out to be a no-brainer. If there are no apparent sparks or even so much as a hint of chemistry between you and your date, then it is almost immediately clear that the potential for romance may not exist. Other times, however, circumstances may lead you to invest a great deal of time, effort and heart into developing a strong connection with your dating partner, only to later discover that your bond with that person is not likely to go much further.

So when exactly does the dating experience reach that proverbial fork in the road where it either ends or blossoms into a relationship? Because the dating experience is so heavily dependent on the individual wants, needs and expectations of the people involved, there is no one way to answer that question.

If you have been dating your partner for a while and would like to take things to the next level, the best thing to do is to first determine if you and your partner are a good match. The easiest way to do this is to simply analyze your experience with that person from an objective point of view. Consider asking yourself the following questions to help guide your analysis:

· How do I feel about my partner?
· How do I think my partner feels about me?
· In what ways are we compatible?
· In what ways are we not compatible?
· Are my partner and I on the same page about the things that matter most?

It is important to be realistic about your answers during this process so that you reach the conclusion that best suits your needs. As always, open and honest communication with your partner is a key element to keeping things happy between you.

The next step should be to talk to your partner and determine where he/she stands. Pay close attention to how your partner responds to this discussion, especially with regard to body language. If you detect any discomfort as a result, it may be that your timing is off or that your partner may have a different idea about the pace at which your interactions should progress. If you have questions or concerns, voice them. Keep in mind that dating partnerships are most successful when both parties have a clear idea of what direction they are moving in and how long they expect the journey to last.

Dating can and often does lead to healthy, loving relationships when both parties have openly discussed their needs and reached an agreement that preserves their individual comfort levels.